Symbiotic associations between crustaceans and gelatinous zooplankton in deep and surface waters off California

Using a remotely operated submersible (ROV) in the sea off Monterey, California, we collected deep-living zooplankton and observed their associations with crustacean symbionts. Little is known about the nature of these symbioses. Among the most interesting findings was the description of a previously unknown modality of symbiosis of the deep-living copepod Pseudolubbockia dilatata Sars. It was recorded within the subumbrellar cavity of three specimens of the bathypelagic hydromedusa Aegina citrea Eschscholtz at depths of 606-1,098 m. One of these medusae hosted a mating pair of adult copepods along with the remains of their molts corresponding to copepodid stages CV of the female and CII, CIII, CIV, and CV of the male; another medusa had an adult female, and molts of a female CV and of male CIII, CIV and CV copepodids. Our data indicate that the medusae were occupied first by an early male copepodid, and then the female joined as a CV. The presence of an adult female alone with its CV molt in a third medusa suggests that females invade the host regardless of the presence of the male in it.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Gasca, Rebeca Doctora autora 2044, Suárez Morales, Eduardo Doctor autor/a 2036, Haddock, Steven H. D autor/a
Format:	Texto biblioteca
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Zooplancton marino, Crustáceos, Aguas marinas,
Online Access:	https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00227-006-0478-y.pdf
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