Monogenean and Copepod Parasites of Fishes from the Smoky Hill River, Ellis County, Kansas

Abstract

Fifteen species of fishes from the Smoky Hill River, Ellis County, Kansas were examined for monogenetic trematodes and copepods. Of the 107 fishes examined, 60 (56.1 %) were infected with at least one species of ectoparasite. Twenty-six species of parasites were found on the 15 host species. Generally, the host species which inhabited pools or backwater areas were more heavily infected than those which inhabited the main channel, indicating that current may be an important factor in limiting large* parasite populations on some stream fishes. Some of the parasites found in this survey are of economic importance because they may cause host mortalities. Trans. Kans. Acad. Sci., Vol. 77 (4), 1974.