Distribution of Uvilifer ambloplitis metacercariae on Lepomis gibbosus as function of spatial preference for invasion.

Abstract

This study examines the distribution patterns of neascus metacercariae of Uvilifer ambloplitis on the surface of Lepomis gibbosus, the common sunfish. Infected fish from three sites in northern lower Michigan were examined and the distribution of spots on defined regions were recorded. Two of the sites were on Lake O'Neal, which is located in Emmet County and drains into Sturgeon Bay. The third site was located at the UMBS on the shore of Douglas Lake. Effects of body region on spatial distribution patterns on Uvilifer were observed. Collection sites and the interaction between body region and collection sites were also shown to have statistically significant effects on spatial distributions. The fins were shown to be a major preference region for black spot formation.