A novel study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science claimed that parasites encourage cannibalistic behaviour in some animals.

In the study, the researchers studied the effect of the common parasite Pleistophora mulleri on adult shrimps. The researchers came to know that adult shrimps infected with the parasite were more likely to eat their own kind than uninfected adults were.

As per the researchers, the shrimps can sometimes display cannibalism behavior, but when they are infected then the behaviour increases. The parasite Pleistophora mulleri is quite tiny and rests in the shrimp’s muscles.

The parasite is present in millions in the body of the host. When they are attacked, the shrimp’s body becomes damaged and the animal has to eat more food in order to meet the requirement of extra energy.

Study’s lead researcher Alison Dunn affirmed, “The parasite is quite debilitating. It takes over huge areas of the muscle, so instead of a nice transparent shrimp you get quite a chalky appearance because of muscles packed with the parasite”.

The researchers affirmed that cannibalism has been seen in more than 3,000 species. Dunn affirmed that earlier studies have found that muscle damage can stop the shrimps from catching their normal prey. Therefore, the only way by which the shrimps can survive is eating smaller shrimp.

Scientists are aware of this fact already that parasites can change the behaviour of their hosts in order to suit their needs. To cite an example, a tapeworm makes fish swim faster or slower on the basis of whether it wants them to be eaten.

Dunn makes it clear that their research does not suggest any link between parasites and human cannibalism. Cannibalism for the shrimp is the main source of food even in uninfected animals.