Dynamics of prevalence of Ligula intestinalis (L.) in Catostomus commersoni (Lacépède)

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Abstract
Prevalence of Ligula intestinalis in Catostomus commersoni was followed in four lakes near Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario from 1963 to 1981. Two lakes remained in the natural state, except for regular sampling, and prevalence of the parasite fluctuated from 0.3 to 3.6% and from 1.5 to 13%. Prevalence was higher in fishes from the other two lakes. Fishes in the latter two lakes were removed with ichthyotoxin during the study. Fishes and parasite subsequently recolonized the lakes. Prevalence of the parasite peaked and then declined during recovery in each of the two lakes. Prevalence of the parasite fluctuated around levels which were unique for each of the four lakes. Differences in the level of prevalences among the lakes were probably most dependent on differences in the morphology of the lake basins.