The relationship between infestation by Mytilicola intestinalis, Steuer (Copepoda, Cyclopoidea) and the condition index of Mytilus edulis in southwest England

1 September 1977

journal article
Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in ICES Journal of Marine Science

Vol. 37 (3) , 300-308
https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/37.3.300

Abstract

Seasonal cycles in the condition index of Mytilus edulis from three sites in southwest England are described. These are analysed in relation to host length, stage of gonad development and parasite burden by linear regression analysis. An effect on the condition index due to the presence of Mytilicola intestinalis can be detected only in the sublittoral mussels in those few winter months when the mean intensity of infestation is over about 25 parasites per host. In all cases studied, the magnitude of the effect due to variation in host length, stage of gonad development, seasonal cycles and environmental factors is greater than that due to parasitism.

Keywords

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