title: Consequent effects of the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) predation on parasite infection and body condition of common carp (Cyprinus carpio).
abstract: Lesions ranging from surface wounds to deep tissue wounds caused by cormorant predation were observed on several species of the farmed fish in Pohořelice, Czech Republic. Two-year-old stocked common carp Cyprinus carpio harvested in late March were examined for ectoparasites and endoparasites, injuries extent, and lysozyme concentration in skin mucus. Additionally, three body condition indices were measured. Endoparasite infection occurred only scarcely. Wounded fish were more susceptible to the ectoparasites Gyrodactylus spp. and Dactylogyrus spp. (Monogenea), and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora). The intensity of infection of other ectoparasites Eudiplozoon nipponicum (Monogenea), Argulus spp. (Branchiura) and trichodinids (Ciliophora) did not significantly differ between wounded and control groups of fish. Lysozyme concentration in fish mucus was significantly higher in wounded fish and was positively associated with both the extent of damaged epithelium and Gyrodactylus spp. abundance. There were no differences in Fulton's condition factor and lipid content in muscle and liver tissues between wounded and non-wounded fish. Higher values of spleen-somatic index in wounded fish corresponded to increased intensity of parasite infection, most likely reflecting changes in immune system of infected fish. Although our results did not show any significant effect of cormorant attacks on fish condition, the wounded fish had significantly higher parasite numbers which could impact the growth or survival of the fish throughout the production season.
authors: Institute of Vertebrate Biology, ASCR, v.v.i., Kvetna 8, Brno, Czech Republic. audrey@sci.muni.cz
authors: Markéta
authors: M
authors: Ondračková
authors: Zdenka
authors: Z
authors: Valová
authors: Jiří
authors: J
authors: Kortan
authors: Libor
authors: L
authors: Vojtek
authors: Zdeněk
authors: Z
authors: Adámek
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017756:Aquaculture; D001717:Birds; D002347:Carps / Q000469:parasitology*; D018153:Czech Republic; D004198:Disease Susceptibility / Q000469:parasitology; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005393:Fish Diseases / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000469:parasitology; D016014:Linear Models; D009113:Muramidase / Q000032:analysis; D011235:Predatory Behavior; D012621:Seasons; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000469:parasitology
chemical_list: D009113:Muramidase