The Parasitic Copepod Diet and Life History of Diskfishes (Echeneidae)

Stomach contents from 401 individuals representing six species of echeneids were examined. Parasitic copepods are an important part of the diet of echeneid fishes. Parasitic copepods were present in 70% of the stomachs of Remora remora containing food and in four other species to a lesser, but significant extent. The growth stage of the life history of the echeneid during which it feeds on parasites varies among species. In R. remora the younger individuals are more active as parasite pickers whereas in R. osteochir older specimens are more active. Life history information resulting from extensive collection data is included in the discussion of each of the six species considered.