Observations on the Seasonal Changes of the Parasite Fauna of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) from the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario

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Abstract
The seasonal changes in incidence and intensity of infestation of yellow perch, Perca flavescens, by adult and larval parasites, both external and internal, were studied over a period of 1 year. Eight species of parasites were numerous enough to permit analysis of seasonal dynamics. Bunodera luciopercae and Echinorhynchus salmonis showed a high infestation in the fall and declined gradually to zero by late summer. New infestation occurred in early fall. Protocephalus pearsei showed the highest incidence in summer and a lower level during the rest of the year without any marked fluctuations. The intensity of infestation remained relatively constant throughout the year. Ergasilus confusus reached its peak of incidence in the summer, declined through the fall and winter, and began increasing in spring. Intensity of infestation showed parallel changes. In February, however, both incidence and intensity were high. Diplostomulum huronense showed a high intensity of infestation in November. The incidence remained fairly constant throughout the rest of the year. Urocleidius adspectus showed no seasonal variability as regards incidence but the intensity of infestation was highest in August and September. Contracaecum spiculigerum showed no distinct seasonal changes in incidence or intensity. Glochidial infestation reached a high intensity in July. This was due to the glochidia of Lampisilis radiata siliquoidea.

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