Data from: Parasites alter interaction patterns in fish social networks

Social networks influence the spread of parasites through populations.
Although we know how parasites are transmitted as a product of social
interactions, we have a limited understanding of how social networks are
affected by parasites over time. Host–parasite interactions and the
networks they form, are typically examined as static networks, and while
topological descriptions at a specific time point are useful, both
behaviour and the infection process are dynamic. By monitoring replicate
populations of Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) daily before and
during infection with the ectoparasite Gyrodactylus turnbulli, we show how
parasitism drives social network dynamics. Specifically, infected
individuals increased their connections in networks affected by
parasitism. In contrast, uninfected control shoals showed no change in
network metrics. The structure of subnetworks (motifs) and networks,
however, did not change in response to infection status. These findings
provide further evidence of reciprocal host behaviour–parasite feedback
mechanisms, and highlight that infected fish alter their interactions in
order to ‘off-load’ their parasites. Understanding how these reciprocal
interactions affect the structure and function of natural systems, as well
as understanding how these interactions may alter with future
environmental change, are key areas of future research.