What's in a Fish? The relationship between fish size and parasite abundance in freshwater fish in Georgia
Disciplines
Parasitology | Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Georgia is a hotspot for freshwater fish diversity. Despite the high levels of aquatic biodiversity within the state, little is known about their parasitic diseases and how they might affect their hosts. Understanding what parasites infect fish will allow researchers to better understand interactions within Georgia’s ecosystems. To fill in this gap, we studied the various parasites which can be found within native fish species to better understand the potential relationship between host body length and parasite burden in freshwater fish in Georgia. Our hypothesis was that larger fish will tend to have a higher parasite burden than smaller fish due to them having more area for accumulation. To do this, we collected data by first dissecting the fish and removing their organs, right eye, and right gills. Then, we examined them underneath a microscope and extracted the parasites within. Each of the fish specimens have been taken from Kennesaw State University’s Mountains to Metro Biodiversity collection. Parasites were morphologically identified, and the data were analyzed using linear models. Preliminary results will be discussed. By completing this study, we aim to better understand how these parasites are affected by host traits so that we may better understand external factors on parasite accumulation.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Whitney Preisser
What's in a Fish? The relationship between fish size and parasite abundance in freshwater fish in Georgia
Georgia is a hotspot for freshwater fish diversity. Despite the high levels of aquatic biodiversity within the state, little is known about their parasitic diseases and how they might affect their hosts. Understanding what parasites infect fish will allow researchers to better understand interactions within Georgia’s ecosystems. To fill in this gap, we studied the various parasites which can be found within native fish species to better understand the potential relationship between host body length and parasite burden in freshwater fish in Georgia. Our hypothesis was that larger fish will tend to have a higher parasite burden than smaller fish due to them having more area for accumulation. To do this, we collected data by first dissecting the fish and removing their organs, right eye, and right gills. Then, we examined them underneath a microscope and extracted the parasites within. Each of the fish specimens have been taken from Kennesaw State University’s Mountains to Metro Biodiversity collection. Parasites were morphologically identified, and the data were analyzed using linear models. Preliminary results will be discussed. By completing this study, we aim to better understand how these parasites are affected by host traits so that we may better understand external factors on parasite accumulation.