Journal Article
Prevalence of parasitism in the Grotto Sculpin (Cottus specus), a new species of cave-adapted fish from southeastern Missouri, USA
Day, J., Starkey, D.E. and Gerken, J.E.
Record Number:
3053
Year:
2014
Journal:
Subterranean Biology
Pages:
3-14
Volume:
12
Abstract:
Acanthocephalan parasites infecting the newly described Grotto Sculpin (Cottus specus), a state-threatened
and federally endangered troglomorphic fish endemic to Perry County, Missouri, were identified in fish
from six cave and four non-cave karst streams. Infection rate and infestation severity were higher among
fish from cave streams as compared to non-cave streams. Fish from several caves presented with cases of
severe infection and near complete parasite occupation of the intestinal tract. Increased cannibalism and
variable water quality are proposed as possible explanations for increased Grotto Sculpin parasitism. This
observation suggests that the health of cave fauna may be tied to diet and host population dynamics, and
that species subject to severe dietary restrictions and the effects of anthropogenic disturbances may have
high vulnerability and conservation risks.
Keywords
Sculpin, cave, parasite, ecology, acanthocephalan
Times Cited:
1
Relevent Species: