Recientemente se ha publicado un trabajo en Subterranean Biology nº 12, sobre una nueva especie de pez adaptado al medio subterráneo, descubierto en Estados Unidos. El trabajo se ha titulado "Prevalence of parasitism in the Grotto Sculpin (Cottus specus), a new species of cave-adapted fish from southeastern Missouri, USA", y firmado por Julie L. Day, David E. Starkey y Joseph E. Gerken.
El resumen de este trabajo en inglés os lo pongo a continuación:
ABSTRACT:
Acanthocephalan parasites infecting the newly described Grotto Sculpin (Cottus specus), a state-threatened and federally endangered troglomorphic fish endemic to Perry County, Missouri, were identified in fish from six cave and four non-cave karst streams. Infection rate and infestation severity were higher among fish from cave streams as compared to non-cave streams. Fish from several caves presented with cases of severe infection and near complete parasite occupation of the intestinal tract. Increased cannibalism and variable water quality are proposed as possible explanations for increased Grotto Sculpin parasitism. This observation suggests that the health of cave fauna may be tied to diet and host population dynamics, and that species subject to severe dietary restrictions and the effects of anthropogenic disturbances may have high vulnerability and conservation risks.
El trabajo se ha publicado en ZOOKEYS, y si queréis leer un interesante artículo sobre el parasitismo y las diferencias entre peces de cueva y los que no lo son, así como sus adaptaciones, no dudéis en clickar en el siguiente enlace:
Enhorabuena a los descubridores y a los autores de este interesante trabajo.
