In:
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 93, No. 4 ( 2013-06), p. 919-923
Abstract:
Jellyfish display strong population variability. Competitive interactions between fish and jellyfish have been depicted as a major mechanism controlling this variability. Biological associations involving jellyfish are, however, more diverse than predation–prey interactions and remain poorly understood. Parasitic associations in particular may have relevant effects on jellyfish host populations. We studied basic patterns (temporal patterns of parasite intensity–biomass and the distribution pattern of parasites among hosts) of the association between the parasitic anemone Peachia chilensis and its scyphozoan host, Chrysaora plocamia . The mean number of parasites per host (MI) was high (average = 465) and showed significant differences during the pelagic life phase of the medusa. The mean biomass of parasites per host was also significantly different among months but showed a different temporal pattern to that of MI, which may reflect recruitment pulses of parasitic larvae. The mean biomass of P. chilensis per host averaged 56.3 mg ash-free dry mass, which represents a trophic flow of energy probably linking pelagic and benthic food webs. The distribution of parasites among hosts was best fitted to the negative binomial distribution model, as typical for host–parasite systems. We concluded that the parasite-induced host mortality and reduction of fecundity, represented by parasitic castration, is restricted to a few hosts and is therefore under the expected levels that characterize the dynamic equilibrium of host–parasite systems.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0025-3154
,
1469-7769
DOI:
10.1017/S002531541200094X
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2013
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1491269-7
detail.hit.zdb_id:
281325-7
SSG:
12
Permalink
