The parasitic copepod Lernaeocera branchialis had a negative effect on cardiorespiratory function in Atlantic cod Gadus morhua such that it caused pronounced cardiac dysfunction with irregular rhythm and reduced stroke amplitude compared with uninfected fish. In addition, parasite infection depressed the postprandial cardiac output and oxygen consumption.
Keywords: cardiac function; condition factor; histopathology; oxygen uptake; parasite; specific dynamic action.
© 2014 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.