If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you may have already noticed abnormalities or parasites in the wild fish you catch. In fact, the fish we commonly find in our lakes, such as bass or trout, harbour several species of parasites. Although parasites are a natural part of ecosystems, their presence can potentially have serious consequences. But what are parasites? And what impact do these mysterious creatures have on our lakes?
Parasites are ubiquitous organisms that use another organism for food, shelter or reproduction. In doing so, they can alter the behaviour, growth, reproduction and chances of survival of the fish they infect. Parasites are often smaller than the organisms they infect. Think of a tick on a dog. Yet these tiny creatures play a major role in the balance of our lakes.
