Epibiosis by Balaenophilus unisetus (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) in fin whale, Balaenoptera physalus (Mysticeti: Balaenopteridae), stranded in Margarita Island, Venezuela
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47193/mafis.3322020301108Keywords:
Fin whale, Epibiont copepod, Marine mammals, Geographical distribution, Caribbean SeaAbstract
Epibiosis is a common strategy in many aquatic organisms, and can be a very valuable study tool in ecology and conservation. Baleen whales are a very vulnerable taxon to fisheries, which requires great efforts for their preservation. The stranding of a male specimen of Balaenoptera physalus in northeastern Venezuelan waters made it possible to properly assess the epibiotic phenomenon. The cetacean integument was evaluated in situ and some barbs were transferred to the laboratory for detailed study. The only epibiont observed, although in very abundant numbers, was the harpacticoid copepod Balaenophilus unisetus. Different life stages were detected and described: adult, copepodites (five), and nauplii (three), accompanied by illustrations and proper measurements. Morphological, biogeographic and host-related features are presented and discussed. Highlights of this study are: the geographical scope expansion of the copepod, being the first record in Western Atlantic, Caribbean, and Venezuelan waters; the observation of a few discrepant morphological characters from those previously described, which could refer to different morphotypes of the epibiont; and the first detection of a third naupliar stage for B. unisetus.
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