Publication Abstract

The influence of risk factors on the abundance, egg laying habits and impact of Argulus foliaceus in stillwater trout fisheries

The influence of risk factors on the abundance, egg laying habits and impact of Argulus foliaceus in stillwater trout fisheries

N.G.H. Taylor, R. Wootten, and C. Sommerville

Fishery managers perceive the ectoparasitic crustacean, Argulus foliaceus to cause significant economic loss through reduced fish capture rates. This paper investigates the influence of previously identified risk factors on the abundance, egg laying habits and impact of this parasite through a longitudinal study of five trout fisheries of varying management intensity. Low water clarity and high temperatures showed a significant association with a high abundance of A. foliaceus. High infection levels, low water clarity and temperature were also associated with reduced stock turnover, suggesting abundance of A. foliaceus alone may not affect the catch rates. Depth of egg laying varied in each site throughout the study, increasing in depth as temperature and water clarity increased. Eggs were found to be most abundant in natural fish holding areas and it is hypothesised that the location of egg laying is determined by the habitat usage of host fish. 

Reference

N.G.H. Taylor, C. Sommerville and R. Wootten (2009) Inferring causality: The influence of risk factors on the abundance, egg laying habits and impact of Argulus foliaceus in stillwater trout fisheries. Journal of Fish Diseases (2009) 32: 509–519

N.G.H. Taylor*, R. Wootten and C. Sommerville

Journal of Fish Diseases 32, 509-519