New Publication
A Comprehensive Guide to Aquatic Parasites
- von Juliana Fischer
- 11.06.2025
Parasites are generally regarded as pathogens, yet they are an integral part of natural ecosystems. In aquatic habitats, they influence not only the behaviour of their hosts, but also ecological processes in larger contexts. The recently published textbook Aquatic Parasitology – Ecological and Environmental Concepts and Implications of Marine and Freshwater Parasites is the first to shed light on the ecological significance of parasites in freshwater and saltwater ecosystems worldwide. Edited by Prof. Dr Bernd Sures (University of Duisburg-Essen) and Prof. Dr Nico Smit (North-West University, South Africa), it is freely available as an open access publication.
They sneak in secretly, often go unnoticed, and yet have an enormous impact: parasites are among the most mysterious and influential organisms on Earth. In nature, they are silent directors of complex relationships, shaping behaviour patterns, regulating populations and keeping entire ecosystems in balance. ‘Parasites are much more than annoying companions,’ says Prof. Dr. Bernd Sures. ‘Understanding their ecological role provides valuable insights into the stability and functioning of entire habitats.’ The latest research even shows that some parasites can reduce the concentration of pollutants in their hosts – a capability that takes on a whole new meaning in the context of global environmental change and in line with the One Health approach pursued by the Research Centre One Health Ruhr.
A recent study* by the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) shows how parasites can positively influence the behaviour of their hosts: amphipods behave more actively and show less sensitivity to the herbicide metazachlor with an acanthocephalan parasite infection. This behaviour is likely to facilitate the spread of the parasites and increase the survival chances of the infested amphipod – an example of the complex interactions between host, environment and parasite.
The book, which is freely accessible as an open access publication, not only provides basic knowledge but also innovative research approaches – such as the use of environmental DNA or the analysis of stable isotopes to understand food webs. The book makes clear that in times of global change, from climate change to the pollution of aquatic habitats, parasitological research is more relevant than ever. Making this knowledge freely available to the interested public worldwide was a key goal of the two editors. The figures speak for themselves: within three weeks, the book had already been downloaded 40,000 times.
Pictured: The tongue replacement isopod Ceratothoa famosa in the mouth of the Cape bream (Diplodus capensis): First discovered by co-editor Nico Smit, it replaces the fish's tongue and is currently the only known parasite that functionally replaces an entire organ of its host.
More Information:
Read the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749124021304?via%3Dihub
Download the Book: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-83903-0