Sea lice escape predation on their host

Overview
TitleSea lice escape predation on their host
AuthorsConnors BM, Krkosek M, Dill LM
TypeJournal Article
Journal NameBiology letters
Volume4
Issue5
Year2008
Page(s)455-7
CitationConnors BM, Krkosek M, Dill LM. Sea lice escape predation on their host. Biology letters. 2008 Oct 23; 4(5):455-7.

Abstract

Parasites seldom have predators but often fall victim to those of their hosts. How parasites respond to host predation can have important consequences for both hosts and parasites, though empirical investigations are rare. The exposure of wild juvenile salmon to sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) from salmon farms allowed us to study a novel ecological interaction: the response of sea lice to predation on their juvenile pink and chum salmon hosts by two salmonid predators-coho smolts and cut-throat trout. In approximately 70% of trials in which a predator consumed a parasitized prey, lice escaped predation by swimming or moving directly onto the predator. This trophic transmission is strongly male biased, probably because behaviour and morphology constrain female movement and transmission. These findings highlight the potential for sea lice to be transmitted up marine food webs in areas of intensive salmon aquaculture, with implications for louse population dynamics and predatory salmonid health.

Author Details
Additional information about authors:
Details
1B M Connors
2M Krkosek
3L M Dill
Properties
Additional details for this publication include:
Property NameValue
Publication ModelPrint
ISSN1744-9561
pISSN1744-9561
Publication Date2008 Oct 23
Journal AbbreviationBiol. Lett.
DOI10.1098/rsbl.2008.0276
Elocation10.1098/rsbl.2008.0276
LanguageEnglish
Language Abbreng
Publication TypeJournal Article
Journal CountryEngland
Publication TypeResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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PMID: PMID:18559311