Ergasilus spp.
Phylum
Arthropoda
Subphylum
Crustacea
Class
Maxillopoda
Subclass
Copepoda
Order
Poecilostomatoida
Family
Ergasilidae
Distinguishing Characteristics
Body form is generally similar to a cyclopoid
Antennae prehensile, terminating in a
claw
Ecology
Mature females are parasites found mainly on the gills of fish, while males and copepodids are planktonic.
Additional Pictures
Links
Key to parasitic copepods and branchiurans
: Information from the Great Lakes Science Center, USGS
