A vital stain for studies of behaviour and ecology of the parasitic copepod Lernaeocera branchialis (Pennellidae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: To discriminate between individuals and groups of individuals, the vital stain neutral red was used to mark developmental stages of the parasitic copepod Lernaeocera branchialis (L.). The copepod has a marked ability to accumulate the stain, and the red colour of stained parasites lasts for ca 3 to 4 wk. Experiments demonstrate that exposure to 0.01 g 1-' neutral red for l h does not reduce survival or interfere with mating and host-finding The low toxlcity and persistence of the stain suggest that it may be a useful tool in experimental work with copepods. INTRODUCTION