Stickleback mass occurrence driven by spatially uneven parasite pressure? Insights into infection dynamics, host mortality, and epizootic variability

• DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07517-4
• Publication Date: 2022-04-18T07:03:24Z
• Authors: Jan Baer; Sarah M. Gugele; Samuel Roch; Alexander Brinker
• Keywords: Paratenic

Since 2012, a massive invasion of the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) has taken place into pelagic area Lake Constance. This species, which had previously been restricted to littoral zone, is now dominant fish and whitefish (Coregonus wartmanni) suffered severe reductions in growth recruitment. In this study, total, 2871 sticklebacks were collected via monthly sessions over 4-year period benthic areas Constance examined for signs infection with Schistocephalus solidus, parasite known be potentially fatal. The risk increases throughout course year size- sex-dependent. Habitat only marginal impact. All parasite-induced harm imparted after spawning parental care over. results did not support hypothesis that might driven by parasite-avoiding behaviour. Furthermore, impact likely limited post-reproductive adults, thereby ensuring stable reproduction hosts despite high rates transmission mortality. consequence, stock development independent S. solidus infection, leading secure coexistence host even at extraordinary levels.