The Study of The Parasitic Fauna in Sciaenops Ocellatus, Lower Laguna Madre, Texas

Authors

Veronica Abrigo, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

12-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Rod Summy

Second Advisor

Dr. Robert Edwards

Third Advisor

Dr. Anxiu Kuang

Abstract

Parasitological investigations provide information on ecosystem health because parasite prevalence and abundance are influenced by biotic and abiotic environmental changes. This survey classified the parasitic fauna of red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, in the Lower Laguna Madre, TX. Fish (n = 239) were collected from four study sites (May 2005 - June 2006). Parasite identification consisted of digenean and monogenean trematodes, cestodes, larval nematodes, copepods, and protozoans. Parasite prevalence and host length was positively correlated from South Bay (r=0.473), Port Isabel (r=0.533), Arroyo(r=0.314), and Port Mansfield (r=0.630). Significant differences (p<0.001) between zone and parasite prevalence from Arroyo site indicated a higher prevalence of protozoa and monogeneans and reduced prevalence of digeneans. Statistical analyses indicated the greatest difference between Port Isabel and Arroyo sites ( divided by 2= 48.195; p<0.001; df= 14), and the least difference between South Bay and Arroyo sites ( divided by 2= 20.847; p= 1.06; df= 14).

Comments

Copyright 2011 Veronica Abrigo. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/books/study-parasitic-fauna-sciaenops-ocellatus-lower/docview/1221137604/se-2

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American