External features of species of the family Ergasilidae (Copepoda: Poecilostomatoida) parasitic on gills of Iraqi fishes.

Abstract

The study included the morphological desicription of species of the family Ergasilidae which include the genera Ergasilus, Dermoergasilus, Paraergasilus and Mugilicola. Sample were examined in 85% lactic acid, Drawings were done using wooden slide method with the aid of a camera lucida fixed on compound microscope.Description included the morphology of the cephalothorax, abdomen, second antenna and egg sacs M. kabatai was simply identified from members of the other genera, because its body consists of three major parts, i.e head, neck and trunk, while P. inflatus was identified from its second antenna which tipped with three strongly curved clasws. The second antenna of Dermoergasilus varicoleus developed a cuticular membrane, morover the three segments of the abdomen were distinctly elongated. Cephalothorax of the members of the genus Ergasilus showed different shapes (ovoid, elongated or guitar shape). Egg sacs varied in shape and length according to the length of parasite body.