Abstract
The spatial distribution of two parasitic copepods, Acantholochus zairae Morales-Serna & Gómez, 2010 (Poecilostomatoida: Bomolochidae) and Pseudochondracanthus diceraus C. B. Wilson, 1908 (Poecilostomatoida: Chondracanthidae), was analyzed on the gills of the bullseye pufferfish Sphoeroides annulatus (Jenyns). A positive association between A. zairae and P. diceraus was observed; however, species coexistence is facilitated because intraspecific aggregation was stronger than interspecific aggregation. Each copepod species was less frequent on the middle arch regions. Pseudochondracanthus diceraus showed a preference for the third gill arch (the innermost), as well as for the dorsal region of the gill arches and the middle zone of the gill filaments. Acantholochus zairae was randomly distributed among gill arches, but showed a preference for the ventral region of the gill arches and the middle zone of the gill filaments. In addition, only A. zairae appeared to be affected by increasing host length. It is possible that water flowing through the branchial cavities of S. annulatus is a major determinant on the distribution of its gill copepods.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
