PARASITIC COPEPODS IN Genypterus blacodes (OSTEICHTES)

Abstract

Fishes of Genypterusgenus are an important resource in the fishing industry, and these are exposed to a series of ectoparasites, among which ectoparasites are copepods which may be very specific in their hosts. One of the parasitic species corresponds to Sphyriumlaevigatum, which parasites three species of economic importance in Chilean local fisheries. The parasite species of G. blacodes, as well as ecological and biogeographical aspects, are discussed in the present work.Key words: Genypterus blacodes, ectoparasites, fisheries.