Histopathology caused by Caligus epidemicus Hewitt (Copepoda: Caligidae) on captive Acanthopagrus australis (Günther) (Pisces: Sparidae)

Abstract. Highest densities of copepodids (≤5.3 cm ^-2), chalimus (≤8.5 cm ^-2) and redundant filaments (≤6.7 cm^-2) of Caligus epidemicus were found on the anterodorsal and anteroventral flanks, head and pectoral fins of Acanthopagrus australis (Günther). Copepodids eroded the epidermis and usually attached their frontal filament to the basement membrane on the inter-ray region of fins, as well as the fin rays or scales. Chalimus stages were associated with a healed epidermis and little tissue response. The most extensive tissue response was associated with the redundant frontal filament, and was characterized by infiltrating macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, and epidermal and fibroblast proliferation. No significant pathology could be attributed to either pre-adult or adult copepods.