METAZOAN PARASITE ASSEMBLAGES OF EELS IN THE DUNKELIN CATCHMENT, WESTERN IRELAND

Abstract

Samples of yellow eels (n=117 and 125) from two different sites in the alkaline lowland Dunkelin River system and of silver eels (n=32) migrating from a calcareous (maerl) lake, Lough Rea, in the same river basin have been examined for metazoan parasites. The diet of the eels was also investigated, as was the composition of the fish assemblages at the riverine sites. Fifteen species of parasites were recorded. Details of the infection parameters for each of these species are presented and discussed in relation to host sex and maturation, as well as to environmental and faunal differences between sampling sites. The composition and organisation of the parasite species assemblages, at both the infra-community and component community level, are compared with the results of some previous studies on eels in Ireland.