Helminths in Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) and Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris) in Northern Michigan: A comparative study.

Abstract

In 1940 at the University of Michigan Biological Station, records began for specimens that had been dissected in the lab, reporting helminths that were found in each specimen. In this study, we compare helmints of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) from 2006 to helminths of the same species from 1940-1942. Specimens from 2006 were compared to determine how length and weight of host affect level of parasitism in these species. Parasites of Perca flavescens were significant for length (p<0.01), weight (p<0.02), and life stage (p<0.04), but not significant for sex of the host (p>0.05). Parasites of Ambloplites rupestris were not significant for length, weight, life stage, or sex of the host (p>0.05). Perca flavescens had significantly more helminths than A. rupestris (p<0.001). Specimens from 1940-42 had more cestodes and acanthocephalans, while specimens from 2006 had more trematodes. An equal number of nematodes were recorded between data sets.