The egg string attachment mechanism in salmon lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Copepoda: Caligidae)

The anatomy of the genital complex and the hook apparatus that keeps the trailing egg strings in position, are illustrated and described. Based on light and scanning electron microscopy, it is shown how the sacs are mechanically secured by the penetration of a pair of hooks through the proximal ends of the strings. The muscle groups that move the hooks are described and a mechanism of operation is suggested.