Araújo‐Wang, C., Schormans, E. K., & Wang, J. Y. (2019). Ecological interaction of a “parasitic” candiru catfish and botos (Inia geoffrensis). Marine Mammal Science, 9999(9999): 1–8 (2019). DOI: 10.1111/mms.12593.
ABSTRACT
The range of ecological interactions of the boto (Inia geoffrensis), an obligate freshwater dolphin of South America, is poorly known. We describe a new interaction between botos and small candiru catfish (genus
), and their possible relationships. Candirus were photographed on at least 29 different botos. The minimum number of candirus per boto varied greatly from 1 to >230 (mean = 16.3, SD = 39.4, mode = 1). Our observations showed that candiru‐boto interactions occur commonly year‐round. Two types of ecological interaction may be occurring: parasitism (trophic) or phoresy (nontrophic). Although candirus are generally known as parasites, the candiru‐boto relationship does not appear to fulfill several characteristics of a typical parasitic interaction. Thus, the candiru‐boto relationship is most likely phoretic in nature. A shift in candiru trophic strategy may occur depending on the victim (botos or fish) and on the spatial scale, and human activities may influence the nature of these complex ecological interactions.
Attachments
Figure 1. Examples of candirus found on the bodies of botos. (A) candiru's general appearance, (B) low load, (C) high load. Photos by J. Y. Wang (A); C. Araújo‐Wang (B, C) (art rearranged to fit screen)
Figure 1. Examples of candirus found on the bodies of botos. (A) candiru's general appearance, (B) low load, (C) high load. Photos by J. Y. Wang (A); C. Araújo‐Wang (B, C)
Excellent. Thank you, Eric. So cool of you to include the photos. Can't say I've often wondered how the candiru get around but now I know at least one way. On a bus.