A contribution to the knowledge on the morphometry and the anatomical characters of Pennella balaenopterae (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida, Pennellidae), with special reference to the buccal complex
Pennella balaenopterae, the largest known copepod, still presents many questions regarding its morphological features and its mode of life. Twelve specimens of P. balaenopterae were collected from Balaenoptera physalus in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. Their morphological characteristics have been...
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | unknown |
| Published: |
2001
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10508/7076 http://hdl.handle.net/10261/326919 |
| Summary: | Pennella balaenopterae, the largest known copepod, still presents many questions regarding its morphological features and its mode of life. Twelve specimens of P. balaenopterae were collected from Balaenoptera physalus in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. Their morphological characteristics have been analysed by scanning electron microscopy and a detailed morphometric study has been accomplished. The buccal complex is described for the rst time, providing details on the mouth, rst maxillae, second maxillae, and buccal stylets, together with a new, trilobed structure not previously described for the genus. Other appendages are also presented, including the rst antenna, second antenna, swimming legs, and other external and internal structures. The results are discussed and compared with those found in the literature, together offering a more complete picture of the anatomy of this species. Sí |
|---|