A new species of amphipod crustacean, Pleusymtes comitari sp. nov., associated with gorgonians on deep-water coral reefs off Ireland

Abstract

A new species of pleustid amphipod of the genus Pleusymtes is described from the west coast of Ireland. It was found to be common in association with an Acanthogorgia sp. gorgonian at 725 and 900 m depth on coral habitats in the continental shelf-break areas of the Porcupine Seabight and Porcupine Bank. It is assumed to be a commensal due to its modified pereopod dactyls.