Lernaeenicus sp. parasite of Atlantic bumper fish on the coast of Santa Catarina state, Brazil

Abstract

This study describes the Penellidae copepod parasite in the Atlantic bumper, Chloroscombrus chrysurus, a marine fish of commercial importance in Southern Brazil. This is the first description of Lernaeenicus parasitizing Atlantic bumper on the Brazilian coast. A total of 1,500 specimens measuring 19 - 27 cm in length and 102 - 361 g weight were examined in August 2021. Analysis showed the parasites belonged to the Lernaeenicus genus. The importance of this mesoparasite in marine fish for consumption is also discussed.