SREL Reprint #0385
Effects of Thermal Effluent on the Population Dynamics
of Helminth Parasites in Largemouth Bass
Herman
E. Eure and Gerald W. Esch
Abstract
Samples of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
were taken from June 1972 through March 1973 at six locations in Par Pond on the
Savannah River Plant site near Aiken, SC. The
pond has temperature regimes ranging from normal to >10°C
above normal. Helminth parasites in
largemouth bass exhibited a definite seasonal change in intensity of infection
but not in incidence of infection. The
pattern was most apparent for the acanthocephalan Neochinorbynchus cylindratus.
This same pattern held for the tapeworm, nermatode, and trematode
population, although the levels of infection were lower than those of the
acanthocephalan populations. Fish from all areas had relatively reduced parasite loads
from June through October. Maximum
worm burdens were reached in December and were maintained through March.
The number of parasites per host was significantly higher in fish taken
from areas with elevated water temperature compared to those from normal areas.
Female hosts had higher worm burdens than males.
Sex ratios for N. cylindratus were not significantly
different in fish taken from areas of Par Pond having different temperature
regimes.
SREL Reprint #0385
Eure, H.E. and G.W. Esch. 1974. Effects of thermal
effluent on the population dynamics of helminth parasites in
largemouth bass. p. 207-215. In Thermal Ecology, edited by J.W. Gibbons and R.R.
Sharitz. CONF 730505. Atomic
Energy Commission.
