Dynamics of intestinal helminth fauna Perca fluviatilis (Actinopterygii: Perciformes) in conditions of long-term ecosystem succession
M.V. Rubanova, O.V. Mukhortova
Section: Theoretical problems of ecology
Modern methods of research on reservoir ecosystems are based on integrated data on the structure of communities and populations of hydrobionts. An effective way of studying changes in the structure and functioning of aquatic
ecosystems is to analyze the collections of fish parasites. The work presents the results of studies of the dynamics of the
fauna of intestinal helminths Perca fluviatilis and its relationships with some fodder objects (zooplankton, alien fish
species) in the Saratov reservoir. The possibility of practical use of helminths of predatory fish occupying the upper
level of trophic chains as “biological markers” is shown, which allow determining the degree of participation of invader
species in trophic chains and successional changes in biocenosis. Based on a comprehensive analysis of parasitological
and hydrobiological data, the trends and specifics of the 30-year period of succession of the Saratov reservoir ecosystem
associated with the spread of alien species were determined. This process includes phased introduction, naturalization, an
increase in the number of invader species, the activation of their participation in the trophic chains of hydrobionts, and a
change in the ecology of fish and parasites. An increase in the number of individual alien species and related changes in
the ecology of host species, structural and functional restructuring of populations and communities (fish, zooplankton,
zoobenthos, parasites) are predicted.
Keywords: parasites on perch, crustacean, water ecosystem transformation, reservoir, biological markers, alien species
ISSN 1995-4301
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