The developmental stages of Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer, 1837) (Copepoda: Caligidae)

Abstract

Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Copepoda: Caligoida) is an economically important marine ectoparasite of wild and pen-reared salmonids. The morphology of its developmental stages is described and compared with that of other species of Lepeophtheirus and Caligus. The development of L. salmonis is very similar to that reported for other Lepeophtheirus species. The appendages generally attain the adult condition and the sexes become distinguishable later in development than in Caligus species. At all developmental stages except the nauplius, L. salmonis can be distinguished from the co-occurring Caligus clemensi.