High levels of metacercarial infestation (family: Diplostomidae) do not affect host energetics and swimming performance in the Epaulette goby (Coryogalops sordidus, Gobiidae).

Parasites have deleterious effects on their hosts, often resulting in altered host behavior or increased energy expenditure. When organisms are exposed to suboptimal environments, parasite loading may increase. Microbialite pools along the warm temperate South African coastline have been hypothesized as refugia for Epaulette gobies (Coryogalops sordidus, Gobiidae) when they are outside of their previously known subtropical distribution.