The Effect of Triaenophorus crassus on the condition of Coregonus artedi

Authors

Alexander Surma

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Cisco Coregonus artedi is, historically, the largest commercial fishery in the Great Lakes. The species is also important to commercial and recreational fisheries in inland lakes. Tapeworm Triaenophorus crassus larvae embed themselves into the flesh of Ciscoes, rendering the fish unmarketable to humans. Triaenophorus crassus is common in inland waters such as Leech Lake and Cass Lake, MN. One Canadian researcher has suggested that the parasite negatively affects the growth and weight of Ciscoes. Poor condition can reduce fecundity, leading to lower recruitment rates. This would mean a detrimental impact on not only individual fish, but the health of the entire population. The goal of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between the severity of T. crassus infection and the condition of adult Ciscoes. Fish were sampled on Lake Bemidji, a medium sized mesotrophic lake, which represents inland Cisco habitat well. Both a standard weight equation and percent dry fillet weight were used to estimate fish condition. The severity of T. crassus infections were quantified by the number of cysts in relation to the wet weight (g) of muscular tissue on each specimen. Regression analyses suggested that both condition metrics were negatively correlated with the severity of T. crassus infection.

Publication Date

2024

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program

Recommended Citation

Surma, Alexander, "The Effect of Triaenophorus crassus on the condition of Coregonus artedi" (2024). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 69.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/69