Occurrence and effects of Haemobaphes diceraus (Copepoda: Pennellidae) on brown sole Limanda herzensteini off the Okhotsk coast of Hokkaido.

Abstract

Brown sole Limanda herzensteini from the northern and southern areas off the Okhotsk coast of Hokkaido were examined for the occurrence of a parasitic pennellid copepod, Haemobaphes diceraus. There were marked differences in prevalence of infection between the two areas but no significant differences in its level among collection localities within respective areas. These results suggest that brown sole in both areas do not intermingle with each other and Form separate popula-tions. The mean body length, body weight, and body condition of infected fish were lower than those of uninfected fish, indicating that this parasite induces adverse effects on brown sole such as the retardation of growth and the loss of weight.