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Bothriocephalus acheilognathi and other intestinal helminths of Cyprinella lutrensis in Deep Creek, Kansas

Rebecca R. Pullen·Wesley W. Bouska·Scott W. Campbell·Craig P. Paukert
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Abstract

We investigated the intestinal parasites of a wild fish population in a Kansas stream to determine the prevalence and abundance of potentially harmful parasites. In total, 180 red shiners ( Cyprinella lutrensis ) were collected from 6 sites in October-November 2007. Fifteen Asian tapeworms ( Bothriocephalus acheilognathi ) were recovered from 13 fish (prevalence of 7.2%). Prevalence did not differ among sites; however, B. acheilognathi abundance was greatest at the site of a public fishing area. A total of 39 roundworms ( Rhabdochona canadensis ) were recovered from 28 fish (prevalence of 15.6%). Prevalence did not differ among sites, nor did abundance. However, mean abundance tended to be about 50% greater at the site of a public fishing area compared to all other sites. This paper documents the presence of both B. acheilognathi and R. canadensis in Kansas and offers a compilation of the known potential impacts these parasites may have on the native, federally endangered Topeka shiner ( Notropis topeka ).

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Rebecca R. Pullen, Wesley W. Bouska, Scott W. Campbell, Craig P. Paukert. 2009. Bothriocephalus acheilognathi and other intestinal helminths of Cyprinella lutrensis in Deep Creek, Kansas. https://doi.org/10.1645/ge-1891.1

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