Journal Article
Sulphide-toxic habitats are not refuges from parasite infections in an extremophile fish
Riesch, R., Morley, N.J., Jourdan, J., Arias-Rodriguez, L. and Plath, M.
Record Number:
4718
Year:
2020
Journal:
Acta Oecologica
Volume:
106 103602
Abstract:
We still have a limited understanding of why animals colonize extreme environments, but one hypothesis (the
Pathogen Refuge Hypothesis, PRH) posits that they might represent a safe haven from parasites and other pathogens.
We tested this idea by quantifying endoparasite infections in five populations of the neotropical
freshwater fish Poecilia mexicana, three populations from toxic, H2S-rich habitats and two control populations
from nearby rivers and creeks. Counter to predictions derived from the PRH, only P. mexicana from toxic habitats
harboured heterophyid metacercariae in their hearts. We further uncovered differences in parasite prevalences
and abundances between the three toxic habitats. Our results provide evidence against the PRH and add depth to
our understanding of life in (and adaptation to) extreme environments.
Times Cited:
1
Relevent Species: