Lepeophtheirus simplex sp n., a caligid copepod (Siphonostomatoida) parasitic on "botete" (bullseye puffer, Sphoeroides annulatus) in Sinaloa, Mexico

A new species of caligid copepod, Lepeophtheirus simplex sp. n., parasitic on bullseye puffer, Sphoeroides annulatus (Jenyns) in Sinaloa, Mexico is de scribed. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the possess ion of (1) a maxillule with simple dentiform process; (2) a sternal furca w ith sharply pointed, curved tines; (3) a 2-segmented exopod of leg 3 with s imple, slender spine on proximal segment; (4) a 3-segmented exopod of leg 4 with a long proximal, outer spine; and (5) the terminal claw of male anten na with a large, tridentate, medial protuberance.