Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

A link between host dispersal and parasite diversity in two sympatric cichlids of Lake Tanganyika
Grégoir, A.F.; Hablützel, P.I.; Vanhove, M.P.M.; Pariselle, A.; Bamps, J.; Volckaert, F.A.M.; Raeymaekers, J.A.M. (2015). A link between host dispersal and parasite diversity in two sympatric cichlids of Lake Tanganyika. Freshwat. Biol. 60(2): 323-335. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/fwb.12492
In: Freshwater Biology. Blackwell: Oxford. ISSN 0046-5070; e-ISSN 1365-2427, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keywords
    Cichlidogyrus Paperna, 1960 [WoRMS]; Simochromis diagramma; Tropheus moorii Boulenger, 1898 [WoRMS]
    Fresh water
Author keywords
    Cichlidogyrus ;ectoparasite;host–parasite interactions; Simochromis diagramma ; Tropheus moorii

Authors  Top 
  • Grégoir, A.F., more
  • Hablützel, P.I., more
  • Vanhove, M.P.M., more
  • Pariselle, A.
  • Bamps, J., more
  • Volckaert, F.A.M., more
  • Raeymaekers, J.A.M., more

Abstract
  • A major goal in ecology is to unravel how species assemblages emerge and how they are structured across the landscape. Host–parasite systems are particularly interesting in this context, as limited host dispersal may promote the differentiation of parasite communities.
  • We examined whether the patterns of species diversity in Cichlidogyrus, a genus of monogenean parasitic flatworms with a direct life cycle, are consistent with the hypothesis that parasite diversity is driven by host dispersal. This was carried out by comparing two sympatric cichlid hosts (Tropheus moorii and Simochromis diagramma) with contrasting dispersal abilities. Genetic connectivity among host populations along the Zambian shoreline of Lake Tanganyika was estimated using microsatellite genotyping. Cichlidogyrus parasites were isolated and identified morphologically to the species level.
  • Simochromis diagramma, a host with a high dispersal capacity, was infected by a low number of Cichlidogyrus species, and the parasite assemblages were similar among host populations. In contrast, T. moorii, a host with a low dispersal capacity, was infected by a large number of Cichlidogyrus species, and the parasite assemblages differed strongly among host populations. These outcomes were thus as expected from the hypothesis.
  • Because of the strong host specificity of these Cichlidogyrus species, a lack of connectivity among host populations might facilitate allopatric speciation of the parasite.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors