Parasite load and immunity in diploid-polyploid complex of Carassius gibelio
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| Year of publication | 2015 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Carassius gibelio (Cyprinidae) is a diploid-polyploid cyprinid fish species, a member of Carassius auratus complex. This species is morphologically and ecologically very similar and phylogenetically closely related to other three species of C. auratus complex i.e. C. auratus, C. landsdorfi and so-called "M line". Gibel carp is a unique cyprinid fish species, which is characterized by a dual form of reproduction - gynogenetic (which large proportions of triploid females and small proportions of triploid males and tetraploid individuals) and sexual reproduction. The coexistence of both forms in the same habitats is well documented. As a non-native species, originating in Asia, C. gibelio was introduced into the waters of the Czech Republic in the 80s last century. The aim of this study was to analyse the selected aspects of fish physiology (including the condition and fitness parameters) and immunology (including the measures of specific and non-specific immunity) as well as parasite load in order to explain evolutionary strategy of diploid-polyploid complex of gibel carp. First, we focussed on the molecular determination of gibel carp specimens using mitochondrial DNA in order to distinguish between C. gibelio specimens and the representatives of other lines. Next, we evaluated the levels of metazoan parasite infections in diploid (sexual) form (separating males and females) and triploid (gynogenetic) form of C. gibelio. The analyzed specimens of the same age were sampled from the selected locality situated in the Lednice-Valtice area, representing a tributary of the river Dyje. Gibel carp was investigated in the Augustof three consecutive years. Our analyses revealed no difference in non-specific immunity between two reproductive forms but the difference in IgM production between gynogenes and sexuals was found. High investment in the reproduction was found for both gynogenetic and sexual females when compared to sexual males. No obvious difference was found in the abundance of different parasite group between diploid sexuals and triploid gynogens. |
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