The distribution and abundance of Lernaeocera lusci (Copepoda) on hake (Merluccius merluccius) and bib (Trisopterus luscus) (Teleostei).

Distribution patterns, mean intensity and prevalence of Lernaeocera lusci (Copepoda, Pennellidae) in its hosts Trisopterus luscus (Teleostei, Gadidae) and Merluccius merluccius (Teleostei Merlucciidae) were examined, together with parasitic abundance and aggregation in relation to the size of the host. The mean parasite abundance and variance to mean abundance ratio increased with host size, suggesting that the accumulation of this parasite had no noticeable impact on the structure of either host population. Merluccius merluccius being a newly colonized host in the Mediterranean, these results are discussed in relation to current ideas on the evolution of pathogenicity in heterospecific associations.