Ruano, F. & L. Monteiro. (2020). Note of a pathological study of the copepod parasite Nicothoe astaci in european lobster, Homarus gammarus. Relatorios Cientificos e Tecnicos do IPMA Serie Digital. 27:1-5. Mar 2020.
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Ruano, F. & L. Monteiro
2020
Note of a pathological study of the copepod parasite Nicothoe astaci in european lobster, Homarus gammarus.
Relatorios Cientificos e Tecnicos do IPMA Serie Digital
27:1-5. Mar 2020
Publication
Available for editors
The occurrence of an infestation of European lobsters by the copepod parasite Nicothoe astaci is reported for the first time in Portugal. A short description of the morphology of the parasite is done. Pathogenic analysis of the host reveal large eroded areas of gill filaments with necrotic scars deep into the gill axis, caused by the parasite. The internal organs show an empty digestive tract, with a discoloured hepatopancreas. A normal epidermis reveals an intermolt stage and the gonads shows a female in maturation. Due to the heavy infestation and its weak condition, the host was rejected for sale. The available material and the lack of recorded information about the stocks of this species, does not allowed getting a correct perception on the prevalence of this disease in wild populations.
