Occurrence and distribution of the parasitic copepod Leposphilus labrei on corkwing wrasse (Crenilabrus melops) from Mulroy Bay, Ireland.
Corkwing wrasse (Crenilabrus melops: Labridae), used to control ectoparasites on sea-farmed salmon, were found to contain the copepod parasite Leposphilus labrei (Philichthyidae) within the lateral line. Prevalence was 30.7% in 6,270 wrasse examined from Mulroy Bay, Ireland. Significantly more males than females or juveniles were infected; this appears related to size at age, as prevalence increases above 100 mm total length. Intensity was normally unity and the parasite showed a significant preference to infect the left rather than the right side of male wrasse. It is suggested that this preference is due to asymmetric fish locomotion, equivalent to "handedness."
Donnelly
R E
RE
Department of Zoology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
Reynolds
J D
JD
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001824:Body Constitution; D003445:Crustacea / Q000254:growth & development*; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005393:Fish Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D005399:Fishes; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000469:parasitology