Parasites of North American Freshwater Fishes

Parasites of North American Freshwater Fishes serves as an essential reference for understanding the complex relationships between fish and their parasitic counterparts in freshwater ecosystems. Highlighting the economic, ecological, and recreational significance of fish populations, this work underscores the critical importance of studying fish parasites. Whether in natural aquatic systems or fish hatcheries, parasites can disrupt ecological balance, hinder fish growth and reproduction, and, in extreme cases, lead to devastating population declines. By methodically detailing identification, life cycles, ecological requirements, and geographic ranges of parasites, the book equips researchers and fishery managers with the foundational knowledge necessary for effective prevention and control strategies. This manual is meticulously organized to aid in the identification of freshwater fish parasites across North America, offering tools such as keys to genera, species references, and an overview of parasitic biology and ecology. It also provides guidance on prevention and treatment, emphasizing ecological interventions to minimize the introduction of harmful parasites in controlled environments. With its comprehensive literature review and practical focus, the book addresses a critical gap in the field, enabling a better understanding of the impact of parasites on fish health and aquatic ecosystems. As fishery management and aquaculture continue to expand, this text remains an invaluable resource for safeguarding the health of fish populations and the environments they inhabit. This title is part of UC Presss Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1967.