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Ligula infestation of bleak Alburnus alburnus (L.) in the tidal Thames
Author(s) -
Harris Martyn T.,
Wheeler Alwyne
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1974.tb04535.x
Subject(s) - infestation , biology , parasite hosting , host (biology) , zoology , fish <actinopterygii> , ecology , fishery , botany , world wide web , computer science
Heavy infestations of the cestode Ligula are reported in bleak Alburnus alburnus (L.) from the tidal Thames. This parasite has not apparently been recorded previously from this host in the British Isles. The life cycle of the parasite is briefly summarized. Data on this infestation suggest an increase in the incidence of infestation up to a maximum in young bleak, followed by a decrease in older fish. There also appears to be a decrease from summer to autumn. The positive relationship between the weight of the parasite and the length of the host is discussed. Observations are made on the effect of Ligula on its host; it is suggested that many of the young bleak die during the autumn and winter, following their infestation.