Ultrastructure of the cuticle of chalimus larva of the salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Kroyer, 1837) (Copepoda, Caligidae)

Citation

Bron J, Shinn A & Sommerville C (2000) Ultrastructure of the cuticle of chalimus larva of the salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Kroyer, 1837) (Copepoda, Caligidae). Contributions to Zoology, 69 (1/2), pp. 39-49. http://www.ctoz.nl/ctz/vol69/nr01/art04

Abstract
The cuticle of the chalimus II stage of Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Copepoda: Caligidae) comprised a four-layered epicuticle with a pronounced fuzzy coat which was separated from the outer and inner procuticles by a layer of transitional procuticle. The cuticle is underlain by a single-layered epidermis which overlies integumental glands and chromatophores. The structure of this cuticle is very similar to that described for free-living copepods and does not display the modifications associated with more highly transformed parasitic species.

Keywords
Lepeophtheirus salmonis; chalimus; Copepoda; cuticle; ultrastructure; parasite

Journal
Contributions to Zoology: Volume 69, Issue 1/2

People

Professor James Bron

Professor, Institute of Aquaculture