Pennella balaenopterae [Pennella balaenopterae]
Description
This is a species of copepods that is parasitic on marine mammals, particularly baleen whales. Adult females are usually 32-50 mm long with an elongated body and a head fitted with a proboscis for feeding. Males are much smaller and rarely observed.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Cyclopoida
Cyclopoida
|
| Family |
Lernaeidae
Lernaeidae
|
| Genus |
Pennella
Pennella
|