A key for the identification of African piscine parasitic Ergasilidae (Copepoda: Poecilostomatoida)

Abstract

A synopsis of the major morphological features of representatives of the family Ergasilidae Thorell, 1859 (Copepoda: Poecilostomatoida), parasitic on freshwater and estuarine fish of the African continent, is presented. The three genera representing this family; Ergasilus von Nordmann, Paraergasilus, Markewitsch and Dermoergasilus Ho et Do, are clearly distinguishable from their original descriptions. A guide for the preparation of specimens for light microscopical examination and a key for identification of the species are given.