New Host and Geographical Distribution for the Pearlfish Carapus Mourlani (carapidae) with a Discussion on its Biology

Abstract

Specimens of the pearlfish Carapus mourlani (Carapidae) were observed for the first time in association with the sea cucumber Isostichopus fuscus (Holothuroidea: Echinodermata) along the coast of Ecuador. Out of 4345 sea cucumbers collected from various depths between 5 and 60 m, 12 harbored a pearlfish either in the coelomic cavity, the respiratory tree, or the digestive tract, yielding a prevalence of ca. 0.0028. The presence of C. mourlani appeared to be detrimental to the holothurian host in some cases. Side effects resulting from coelomic cavity infections included less advanced gonad maturity (reduced gonadal tubule diameter and length, lower ratio of mature oocytes) and a significant proportion of necrotic and shriveled gonadal tubules, devoid of gametes. Aside from discussing this evidence, the present paper briefly describes the biology of the pearlfish, its relationship with the host, and its daily activity cycle.