Black sea bass are a host in the developmental cycle of Lernaeenicus radiatus (Copepoda: Pennellidae): insights into parasite morphology, gill pathology and genetics.

ABSTRACT: Lernaeenicus radiatus, a mesoparasitic pennellid copepod, has long been known in the northwest Atlantic with metamorphosed females infecting the muscle of marine fish. The study herein is the first to identify a definitive first host, black sea bass Centropristis striata, for L. radiatus supporting larval development to adults and sexual reproduction in the gills. This finding suggests a two-host life cycle for L. radiatus, with black sea bass as the first host. Heavy infections in the gill were associated with considerable pathology related to a unique and invasive attachment process that penetrated the gill and selectively attached to the gill filament cartilage. The morphology of the developing copepod was highly conserved with that of a related pennellid copepod, Lernaeocera branchiali

SUBMITTER: Lovy J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10317654 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature