Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development

Abstract

Additional Morphological Information on Young Female Caligus Kuwaitensis(Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida) from Egyptian Marine Water Fish (Pagrus pagrus)

Olfat A Mahdy and Nadia M. T. Abu El Ezz

In the present study additional morphological features for Caligus kuwaitensis (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida). infesting marine water fishes, (Pagrus pagrus), in Egypt was described with scanning electron microscopy. These morphological features include, sub orbicular cephalothoraxes' shield, with ridged inner wall of lunules. The arc-like structure "rugose" area, have been observed on the median surface. In the 1st pair of legs; 1st exopod bears a number of fine setules on the basal segment and has a distal spine like bristle at distal. The 2nd exopodal segment is bearing four terminal optical stout setae each two setae are nearly equal in its length. In addition, Exopod of the 2nd leg bearing two unequal setae and with large plumose seta on posterior edge. Distinct attached spermatophores in the genital complex of young female. These additional morphological features were considered to be important and significant in accurate identifications of this Caligus species.