Eudactylina [Eudactylina]

Description

Eudactylina is a genus of copepods belonging to the family Eudactylinidae. These parasites are specifically found on the gills and body surfaces of marine fishes. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated bodies, with females typically larger than males. They have a complex life cycle that involves direct development without free-swimming larval stages. Eudactylina species are notable for their highly specialized mouthparts adapted for a parasitic lifestyle, allowing them to anchor onto their hosts and feed on their blood and tissues. This genus includes a variety of species, each adapted to parasitize specific host species or groups of fishes, reflecting a co-evolutionary relationship between the parasite and its host.

Species

Eudactylina pollex [Eudactylina pollex]

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Eudactylina acuta [Eudactylina acuta]

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Eudactylina elongata [Eudactylina elongata]

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Taxonomy