Studies on crusatcean parasites of freshwater fishes of mysore.

The morphology of a new copepod parasite Lernaea hesaragattensis has been described. The infection appears to be maximum during July and minimum during January. The parasite is found generally attached at the base of the fins of the host fish, Lebistes reticulatus. The adult female parasite measures 6-9 mm, and possesses a pair of ovisacs measuring 2-3·5 mm, with 120-140 eggs in each sac. The abdomen is distinctly 3-jointed and extends posteriorly at an angle from the thorax. The pregenital prominence which marks the posterior end of the thorax is in the form of a large undivided lobe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]