The Structure of the Attachment Organ of Lernaeopodidae (Crustacea: Copepoda)

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Abstract
The morphology and the anatomy of the bulla, a unique attachment organ of the parasitic copepods belonging to Lernaeopodidae (Caligoida) is described. By their anatomy the bullae can be divided into three types, associated with three groups of fishes: freshwater teleosts, marine teleosts, and elasmobranchs. The evolution of Lernaeopodidae is briefly outlined. The authors point out that the type of the bulla appears independent of the phylogenetic position of the parasite but is related only to the type of the host. It is concluded that the bulla is more than an attachment organ and that it enters into physiological association with the tissues of the fish.

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