The developmental stages of Lepeophtheirus pectoralis (Müller, 1776) (Copepoda: Caligidae)

Summary

The developmental cycle of Lepeophtheirus pectoralis comprises ten stages (two nauplii, one copepodid, four chalimus stages, two preadult stages and the adult) and follows the typical caligid developmental pattern exactly. The morphology of the nine juvenile stages is described. The different metamorphoses which occur during the life cycle of L. pectoralis are also discussed.