Taxonomy

Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Crustacea
Order: Copepoda

This group of parasitic crustacea are highly specialized and adapted for host attachment and a parasitic lifestyle. Minimal to mild infestation with these parasites in wild fish populations are not uncommon in many host species. Control of these parasites can be difficult in aquaculture and can pose major detriment to production. This page presents images primarily from the family of copepods, Ergasilidae.

Left: Gross photograph showing severe ergasilid infection on the gills of a striped bass.

Right: Microscopic wet-mount showing copepod on striped bass gills. Note the modified second antennae used for effective host attachment.