Parasitic Copepods of the Laurentian Great Lakes: Genetic Barcoding of Ergasilidae

Session: 01. - Disease, Parasites, and Pathogens of the Great Lakes and Freshwater Ecosystems

Christopher Marshall, Cornell University, Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Joseph Connolly, Cornell Biological Field Station, [email protected]
James Watkins, Cornell University, [email protected]
Lars Rudstam, Cornell University Bio Field Station, Dept. of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Patrick Hudson, U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center, [email protected]

Abstract

There are eleven ergasilidae copepod species consisting of two primary genra (ten Ergasilus, one Neoergasilus) known to parasitize fish in the Great Lakes. Most ergasilidae found in the Great Lakes are native to North America with Neoergasilus being the exception. Freshwater and or brackish water ergasilids, commonly known as gill lice, have a broad host diversity being documented on 132 fish species in North America, primarily attaching to the gills of the fish using their enlarged claw-like second antennae. This infection can damage tissues, obstruct blood flow, cause secondary pathogens to attack, and in some cases cause a fish to die of asphyxiation. A better understanding of the taxonomy or distribution of these species is therefore needed. Here, we complement traditional taxonomic identification methods with genetic barcoding to elucidate the taxonomy and distribution of ergasilids across the Great Lakes basin. Taxonomic identification paired with genetic barcoding can provide a means by which to accurately describe and better understand parasitic copepods and their impact upon both wild and farm raised fish populations.

1. Keyword
zooplankton

2. Keyword
fish parasites

3. Keyword
genetics