Webb, A.C. (2008) Spatial and temporal influences on population dynamics of a branchiuran ectoparasite, Argulus sp. A., in fresh waters of tropical northern Queensland, Australia. Crustaceana, 81 (9). pp. 1055-1067.

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Abstract

Spatial and temporal influences on population dynamics of a branchiuran ectoparasite, Argulu s sp. A, were investigated. There was a weak, positive correlation between mean Argulus sp. A intensity and size of fish host (Mozambique tilapia). Male hosts had significantly higher Argulus sp. A intensity and prevalence than female hosts. The species was highly aggregated on male and female hosts and its dispersion patterns fitted the negative binomial distribution. There were seasonal changes in prevalence and proportion of immature recruits on male and female tilapia hosts, from a peak during summer to low levels during winter months. Other than host size, differences in Argulus sp. A infection may be related to differences in host behaviour, for example, where segregation of the sexes in host fishes during the spawning season occurs. The species has low host-specificity and was found in fresh water on two other introduced fish species and five native fish species.

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