Gaper Copepod [Ceratothoa gaudichaudii]
Description
Ceratothoa gaudichaudii, also known as the Gaper Copepod, is a marine parasite that mainly infests bivalves. This species can be found in the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the waters around Japan and Australia. The species is characterized by a flattened body with a large, broad head. The females are larger than the males and are often found within the shells of infested bivalves.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Crustaceans
Malacostraca
|
| Order |
Isopods
Isopoda
|
| Family |
Cymothoidae
Cymothoidae
|
| Genus |
Ceratothoa
Ceratothoa
|