Parasite assemblages in volatile host stocks: inter- and intra-cohort variability restrict their value as biological tags for squid stock assessment.

ABSTRACT: The Argentine shortfin squid, Illex argentinus, inhabits in the southwest Atlantic; it is a semelparous species which grows rapidly along its 1 year lifespan. The identification of its stocks is critical for sustainable fishery exploitation. Parasites have been used as biological indicators in a lower number of studies dealing with squids, therefore a validation of this methodology is necessary. The intra- and inter-cohort variability of parasite assemblages in the summer-spawning stock of I. argentinus was analysed to assess their value as indicators of stock structure. Four squid samples from the continental shelf of central Patagonia, corresponding to 3 consecutive cohorts, were examined for metazoan parasites. Results evidenced heterogeneity in terms of parasite assemblag

SUBMITTER: Gutierrez MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10801377 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature