swimming behaviour

Parasite infection directly impacts escape response and stress levels in fish
In this study we found that micropredation by a single parasite (gnathiid isopod) significantly decreased escape performance and swimming behaviour of coral reef fish juveniles. However, stress hormone (cortisol) levels doubled. These findings suggest that micropredation may affect the overall fitness of juvenile fish hosts, which may result in large scale changes in the number of fish succesfully recruiting to adult populations on coral reefs.
Bridie J.M. Allan, Björn Illing, Eric P. Fakan, Pauline Narvaez, Alexandra S. Grutter, Paul C. Sikkel, Eva C. McClure, Jodie L. Rummer, Mark I. McCormick
PDF Cite
Parasite infection directly impacts escape response and stress levels in fish