[Influence of the minnow Phoxinus phoxinus L. sex on the composition of the parasite fauna and component community structure of parasites].

Abstract

225 minnow specimens of the 2(+)-3+ age were collected and studied using the standard technique of the total parasitological dissection. The component parasite community in a period of studies was well-established. This state is characterized by maximum species richness and biomass values. The results showed that probable differences in the infection by parasites of minnow females and males could not be ignored and underestimated. Indeed, the differences in minnow of different sex's infestation by parasites may be absent or present. In some reservoirs females are stronger affected by the same kinds of parasites, in other reservoirs, males are affected stronger. In comparison to males, in females parasites are more commonly represented by single individuals. Discussed differences may manifest themselves only in a certain seasonal condition of a fish. The structure of parasitic communities in hosts of different sex is equal and almost identical to that obtained in mixed host samples.