Do Parasite Loads Vary with Host and Environmental Parameters in Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)?

Parasites have been found to affect the health, behavior, and life history of fishes, including reproduction (e.g., mate choice and parental investment), and habitat choice. Centrarchid sunfishes (Lepomis) are among the best-studied North American fishes. Considerable data exist on their reproductive habits, diet, and habitat choice. While descriptive studies have characterized parasite communities of sunfishes elsewhere, little is known about parasite communities on fishes in this region, or the relationship between parasites and the behavior and ecology of sunfishes generally. As a first step in addressing this lack of knowledge, a field study was conducted on parasite loads associated with the gill lamellae of bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus), I hypothesized that: 1) males will have a higher rate of parasitism than females due to decreased mobility associated with defending the nest; 2) parasite loads will be higher in vegetated habitats; 3) gill parasites will be most abundant on the first and largest gill arch; and 4) parasite loads will change throughout the spawning season. I collected fish by rod and reel and cast netting at different sites in Western Kentucky. Fish were sexed and processed in the laboratory to determine loads of parasitic monogeneans. Sampling of fish was conducted throughout the spring and summer spawning season (water temperature \u3e 65o F). Parasites were found to be significantly more abundant on the second gill arch, and parasite abundance differed significantly over time. Although parasite loads tended to be higher for males, the difference was not significant