Abstract
The copepod Pandarus rhincodonicus sp. nov. (Copepoda: Pandaridae), collected from whale sharks, Rhincodon typus (Smith, 1828) (Orectolobiformes: Rhincodontidae), swimming off the North West Cape of Western Australia, is described. Pandarus rhincodonicus is closely related to Pandarus cranchii Leach, 1819. However, P. rhincodonicus differs from P. cranchii in: the armature of the posterior margin of the cephalon; the plates of segment 2 extend almost to the limit of segment 4; the shape of the caudal rami and shape of the dorsal abdominal plate; and the distribution and numbers of spines and setae on thoracic appendages. It is suggested that P. rhincodonicus is a commensal.
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