Spatial distributions and location preference of Uvulifer ambloplitis on centrarchid fishes.

Abstract

In this study we examined the spatial distributions of Uvulifer ambloplitis during its metacercarial stage on Lepomis gibbosus (sunfish). The purpose of the study was to determine if there is a preference in site of penetration and encystment of U. ambloplitis on L. gibbosus. We collected fifteen sunfish from two sites in Lake O'Neal, and one site in Douglas Lake in northern Michigan. We examined five regions of L. gibbosus for presence or absence of infection, and recorded the number of spots present on each region examined. Results showed a significant region preference at all three sites for cyst location. In addition, although there were some slight differences between sites, region preference appeared to be significant for the fin region. Therefore, cercariae and metacercariae must gain some advantage through selective behavior when encysting in their second intermediate host.