The life cycle of Earleria corachloeae n. sp. (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) with epibiotic hydroids on mid-water shrimp

Abstract

A large number of glass shrimp, Pasiphaea pacifica Rathburn 1902, were collected in a Tucker trawl aboard the R/V Point Sur in Monterey Bay, California during November 2006. Upon inspection, the shrimp were found to be harboring several symbionts, including a hydroid colony (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) of unknown affinity. Shrimp-bearing hydroids were returned to the laboratory, and the hydroids were removed for culturing. After medusae were liberated and grown to maturity, it was determined that they belonged to the genus Earleria; however, their description did not match those of previously described members of the genus. Hydroid colonies for other species of Earleria are unknown. Earleria corachloeae n. sp. is described herein based on field-collected hydroid colonies, and both laboratory-raised and field-collected medusae.