The parasitic barnacle, Sacculina granifera Boschma, affecting the commercial sand crab, Portunus pelagicus (L.), in populations from two different environments in Queensland

Abstract

Abstract. The parasitic barnacle, Sacculina granifera, changed the abdominal morphology of the host crab, Portunus pelagicus (L.). Three different shapes were recognizable with increase of the host size. Crabs carrying externae could be found throughout the year with higher percentages in the dry season (May‐October) in the Gulf of Carpentaria and in warm months (October‐March) in Moreton Bay. The parasite infested more males than females in the Gulf but both sexes of crabs equally in the Bay. Generally, the parasite matured when the host (always immature) reached the size of mature crabs. The smallest crab carrying an externa was 70 mm carapace width from the Gulf and 90 mm CW from the Bay. Overall, 6.6% of P, pelagicus were found with externae in the Bay, a subtropical area where crabs are heavily exploited by amateur and commercial fishermen. In comparison, only 1.2% of crabs were found with externae in the Gulf, a tropical area where no commercial fishery is targeted at this species.