Hamaticolax physiculi sp. nov. (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Bomolochidae) parasitic in the bucco-branchial cavity of Physiculus japonicus Hilgendorf, 1879 (Pisces, Gadiformes, Moridae)

Abstract

Abstract Hamaticolax physiculi sp. nov. is described based on specimens of both sexes and copepodids IV and V female recovered from the bucco-branchial cavity of the Japanese codling Physiculus japonicus Hilgendorf, 1879 (Pisces, Gadiformes, Moridae), captured on the upper continental slope, off the Pacific coast of, mainly, Mie Prefecture. Pre-mature mate guarding of a mature male on an immature female is observed in the species.