HOST LIFE TRAITS AND PARASITE LOAD IN FISH HYBRIDS
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| Year of publication | 2015 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Hybridization is a very common evolutionary process. Physiology and life traits have been changed in the hybrids when compared to parentals, consequently this may also affect the qualitative and quantitative composition of parasite communities in hosts. In addition, it is supposed that hybridization may interrupt the system of host-parasite gene co-adaptation, which may affect parasite load in hybrids. In this study, common bream (Abramis brama), roach (Rutilus rutilus) and their respective hybrids from Hamry reservoir (Czech Republic) were collected from 2011 to 2013 and investigated for the presence of metazoan parasites. Identification of the fish individuals was performed using morphological characters and molecular markers (partial cytochrome b gene and microsatellite loci). Fish condition, vigour and immunocompetence were measured using basic physiological indexes. The aim of this study was to compare fish life traits, selected physiological and immune parameters as well as parasite infection between each of two parental species and hybrids. In hybrids, the diversity of parasite communities was higher but parasite abundance was lower when compared to parental species. Specialist and generalist parasites from both parental species were present in parasite communities of hybrids. Regarding maternal origin of hybrids the predominance of individuals with common bream maternal origin was found. The presence of some parental species specific parasites in hybrids was determined by maternal origin of hybrids. The significant effects of the species and sex on fish condition were found on physiological conditions. The non-specific immunity measured by lysozyme activity and oxidative burst activity was affected only by season. |
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