Cutthroats and Parasites
Heckmann RA. 1994. Cutthroats and Parasites. Yellowstone Science. 2(3):2-7
Many cutthroat trout are unnecessarily discarded each year in Yellowstone National Park due to the unsightly infections of parasites such as the cestode larvae (tapeworms). Cutthroat trout caught from Yellowstone Lake have ended up in trash cans or thrown into the trees due to parasites, especially the tapeworms. Until bearproof trash cans were installed, park bears had many free meals because fishermen were fearful of the effects of eating trout with such visible parasites. Recent "catch and release" policies for the trout in Yellowstone Lake have helped to alleviate the waste of fish. Since 1891, when Linton published two papers pertaining to tapeworms he had observed in trout from Yellowstone Lake, there have been many articles published about this host and its "close companions." Larval tapeworms (Diphyllobothrium) present in most trout more than six inches in length, have been of great concern to many fishermen. The most current list (see table on page 5) includes 18 different species of parasites of the Yellowstone Lake cutthroat trout. This does not include bacteria and viruses that may be present. In 1964 it was estimated that 75 percent of the trout in Yellowstone Lake were infested or infected with parasites.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Heckmann, Richard
- Units
- YELL
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki), Diphyllobothrium in fish, Fish, Parasites, Wildlife Health, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki bouvieri), Yellowstone Lake