You are how you eat: differences in trophic position of two parasite species infecting a single host according to stable isotopes.

摘要: Parasitism is commonly recognised as a consumer strategy, although, the interaction of parasites in communities and ecosystems are generally poorly understood. As integral parts food webs, analysis trophic interactions between hosts was assessed through comparison stable isotope ratios carbon (13C/12C) nitrogen (15N/14N). Largemouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis) infected with Asian tapeworm (Schyzocotyle acheilognathi) were collected from Vaal Dam. Signatures δ13C δ15N host muscle liver tissue, cestodes using an elemental analyser coupled ratio-mass spectrometer (EA-IRMS). Hosts enriched by 4.1‰ heavy respect to S. acheilognathi therefore occupy higher position than parasite. Comparison indicates that dietary sources derived liver. signatures Paradiplozoon ichthyoxanthon (another common parasite River) showed monogenean 5.3‰ 15N which accounts for difference almost two positions. Isotope differences host-parasite system considered indicate can be related mode nutrient acquisition employed parasites. Cestodes, being depleted both 13C relative (P. ichthyoxanthon), assimilates nutrients metabolism released