Tegastidae is a family of copepods, which are characterised by having laterally compressed bodies (resembling that of an amphipod), a claw-like mandible in the nauplius stage, and by a modified male genital complex.[1] 85 species have been described in 6 genera. Two species of Smacigastes are found at hydrothermal vents, while the remaining species are found in shallow water, associated with algae, bryozoans and cnidarians, such as corals.[1]
The six genera are:[2]
Tegastidae is a family of copepods, which are characterised by having laterally compressed bodies (resembling that of an amphipod), a claw-like mandible in the nauplius stage, and by a modified male genital complex. 85 species have been described in 6 genera. Two species of Smacigastes are found at hydrothermal vents, while the remaining species are found in shallow water, associated with algae, bryozoans and cnidarians, such as corals.
An infestation of Tegastes on an acroporid The six genera are:
Arawella Cottarelli & Baldari, 1987 Feregastes Fiers, 1986 Parategastes Sars, 1904 Smacigastes Ivanenko & Defaye, 2004 Syngastes Monard, 1924 Tegastes Norman, 1903
