Lepeophtheirus
Lepeophtheirus is a genus of copepods, commonly known as sea lice, that are parasitic to fish. These crustaceans are ectoparasites, meaning they live on the exterior of their host, primarily salmonids. They are a significant concern in salmon aquaculture, as they can cause significant economic losses due to reduced growth rates, increased mortality, and reduced market value of fish.
Common Names
Lepeophtheirus species are commonly known as sea lice, salmon lice, or fish lice.
Characteristics
Lepeophtheirus copepods are small, typically measuring a few millimeters in length. They have a flattened, oval body with a distinct head, thorax, and abdomen. They possess specialized mouthparts, including a pair of piercing stylets, used to penetrate the skin of their host and feed on blood and tissue fluids. Their life cycle involves several stages, including nauplii, copepodids, chalimus, and adult stages.
Environment
Lepeophtheirus species are found in marine environments, particularly in coastal waters where their salmonid hosts are present. They are commonly found in areas where salmon farming is practiced, as these areas provide a dense and accessible population of hosts.