Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Studies on the associates and parasites of zooplankton from southwest and southeast coasts of India

Volume 39 Issue 1&2

V. Santhakumari

Abstract

Associates and parasites of zooplankton from southwest and southeast coasts of India were studied. Among the epizoic forms two species of ciliates infesting copepods-were new records from Indian waters. Eight species of suctorians were found epizoic on copepods, ostracods and crab larvae. 'Tho ectoparasitic flagellates were recorded from copepods, one from euphausiids and another from decapod larvae. One species of ciliate and a few trematod larvae were noticed in the body cavity of chaetognaths. Some cysts were also observed on copepods. Thee suctorians were new species. The nature of association, host associate-parasite relationship and the rate of infestation are discussed. The intensity and percentage of infestation of the associates were more when the hosts occurred in abundance.

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Date : 30-12-1997