Epibionts (Paracineta) and parasites (Ellobiopsis) on copepods from Spitsbergen (Kongsfjorden area)

Parasites of the genus Ellobiopsis and epibiontic ciliates of the genus Paracineta were found on the body surface of some copepod taxa collected in the Kongsfjorden area (west Spitsbergen, Svalbard) during summer 2002. Paracineta sp. individuals were noted in Metridia longa and Paraeuchaeta norvegica (0.5% of the population infected in each species). This study provides the first record of the presence of Paracineta sp. in the latter species. Remarkably, epibionts were attached exclusively to females. Calanus finmarchicus and C. glacialis were invaded by Ellobiopsis spp., but the level of infection was generally low (0.06% and 0.09% of the population infected, respectively). Parasite distribution within both host populations was similar – 80% of infected specimens were at copepodid stage V. This study also provides the first record of C. glacialis serving as a host to Ellobiopsis.