Preference of host distributional pattern of Lagenophrys patina Stokes, 1887 (Ciliophora, Peritrichia, Lagenophryidae) on Mexican Hyalella azteca (Saussure, 1858) (Amphipoda) from two lakes in Mexico

Abstract

TwoHyalella azteca(Saussure, 1858) populations were studied to statistically determine if their symbiontLagenophrys patinaStokes, 1887 preferred to attach to body regions and/or appendages. The distribution pattern of the epibiont was investigated according to host size and period of the year, based on abundance and prevalence ofL. patinain Xochimilco Lake and Cuitzeo Lake, Mexico. In both cases, a greater abundance ofL. patinawas found on coxal plates, followed by the pereiopods and, for the population of Cuitzeo Lake, the distributional pattern demonstrated a positive association between host size, period of the year, and abundance of the lagenophryids.