Unusual stable isotope fractionation patterns observed for fish host–parasite trophic relationships

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Trophic relationships between four taxa of fish parasite (Cestoda, Nematoda, Isopoda, Copepoda) and their hosts (Gasterosteus aculeatus, Merlangius merlangus, Boops boops, Platichthys flesus) were investigated using stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen. δ 15 N differences between parasite and host were unlike those conventionally observed among consumers and their diets. In no case were parasites enriched in 15 N with respect to the host organism; endoparasites were significantly and consistently depleted. In no case were parasites enriched in 15 N with respect to the host organism; endoparasites were significantly and consistently depleted.