diver.net

"Ectoparasites" on Giant Sea Bass?


dive-instructors.com, the first place to look for a dive instructor


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ California Scuba Diving BBS ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Dr. Bill on December 06, 2005 at 22:47:49:

I'm working on my upcoming DVD on the natural history of the giant (or black) sea bass. I would assume those of you who have seen them have also seen the "ectoparasites" that frequent the head region.

I have talked to a few biologists and none have been able to tell me the identification of these ectoparasites. At first I thought they were copepods, but now I'm wondering if they might be isopods. I can't seem to get a really good "look" at them even in my video footage, and I'm not very familiar with most "ectoparasites."

I even question whether these critters are really parasitic. Do they harm the giant sea bass in any way, or just feed on food scraps it might release from the mouth?

If anyone knows their species name or has information, I'd greatly appreciate it.



Follow Ups:


Name:
E-Mail:
Subject:
Message:
Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Post Background Color: White     Black
Post Area Page Width: Normal   Full
You must type in the
scrambled text key to
the right.
This is required to
help prevent spam bots
from flooding this BBS.		 capcha
Text Key:

      


diver.net