Details on the morphological characteristics of marine copepods, Copilia mirabilis, Sapphirina stellata and Macrosetella gracilis, in Iligan and Sarangani bays, Mindanao, southern Philippines

By: Maria Lourdes Dorothy G. Lacuna, Roy O. Mejorada, Diosy Jeanne D. Simyunn

Key Words: Planktonic copepods, Description, Sapphirinidae, Miraciidae

J. Bio. Env. Sci. 9(3), 90-101, September 2016.

Abstract

Copilia mirabilis, Sapphirina stellata and Macrosetella gracilis belonging to Families Sapphirinidae and Miraciidae, respectively, were described in detail. Specific morphological characters such as body segmentation, number of segments, setae and spines on the antennule, antenna, maxilla, maxillipeds, paired legs, numbers of spines on the caudal ramus, color and body shape of the organism were used to identify and illustrate these three copepod species. Outlines of male and female body forms and its measurements were included.