Parasitism of Galatheid Crustaceans From the Norfolk Canyon and Middle Atlantic Bight By Bopyrid Isopods 1,2)

Abstract

Among twelve species of galatheid and one species of chirostylid Crustacea collected in the vicinity of Norfolk Canyon off eastern U.S.A., four galatheids, Munida iris iris, M. longipes, M. microphthalma and Munidopsis rostrata were found to be infested with bopyrid isopod parasites Munida iris iris was the most heavily parasitized host species with incidence of infestation by Anuropodione carolinensis ranging from 2.0-5.0%. Male M. iris iris were significantly more numerous than females and also had a greater incidence of infestation by bopyrids than females. The size of female A. carolinensis was found to be related to size of the host, which suggests simultaneous molts for both species. Male A. carolinensis were found to have pleons which were either fused, completely segmented, partly segmented or with slight lateral undulations. Significant size differences between males with fused, undulate, and segmented pleons may indicate impending feminization of males with segmented pleons. Single occurrences of bopyrids were observed on the other host species. Munida microphthalina was infested with Bonnieria americana. Munidion longipedis was found on Munida longipes and an undescribed bopyrid was found on Munidopsis rostrata.