Studies on monogeneans and copepods parasitizing the gills of a sparid (Acanthopagrus australis (Günther)) in northern New South Wales

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Abstract
Degree of host tissue response to monogenean (Lamellodiscus acanthopagri, L. major, L. squamosus, Haliotrema spariensis, Polylabroides multispinosus) and copepod (Ergasilus sp., Lernanthropus atrox, Alella macrotrachelus) parasites on the gills of Acanthopagrus australis varied with developmental stage and among species. The histophagous ancyrocephalines L. acanthopagri and L. squamosus and the sanguinivorous polyopisthocotylean P. multispinosus elicited no host response. In contrast, phylogenetic relatives of the former two species, L. major and H. spariensis, were associated with extensive hyperplasia of the filament. Among the copepods, Ergasilus sp. elicited a minor response. However, larval, subadult, and adult A. macrotrachelus were associated with increasing extents of filament alteration. Similarly, adult L. atrox were associated with massive hyperplasia which often included adjacent filaments. The observed variability in tissue response is discussed in terms of parasite attachment, mobility, and feeding strategies.