Aspects of the Morphology of Lernanthropus kroyeri Van Beneden, pathogenic parasitic copepod using scanning electron microscope

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Egypt

Abstract

Lernanthropus kroyeri (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida: Lernanthropidae), a
parasitic crustacean from the gills of
Dicentrarchus labrax, was abundant at higher spring
and summer temperatures. Accordingly, the opportunity was taken to throw light on some
morphological adaptations with the aid of scanning electron microscopy to clarify the
possible functions of these structures.
several kinds of tegumental structures were identified on the body surface, among
which the tubular and filamentous forms were the most dominant. These tegumental
components seem likely to provide the parasitic copepod with an increase of the surface
area for better integumental respiration. SEM observations also revealed the existence of
longer and more diverse tegumental components, which are probably involved in sensory
functions of the tegument. Moreover, uniciliated sensory formations were recognized
regularly across the whole tegumental surface, except on the antennae and maxillipeds.
These sense organs show marked variability in distribution and morphology.


Keywords