Observations on the parasitism of Aora gracilis (Bate) (Amphipoda) by Sphaeronella leuckartii Salensky (Copepoda), with a review of amphipod-Sphaeronella associations

Abstract

The occurrence of the siphonostomatoid copepod, Sphaeronella leuckartii Salensky, in the marsupium of the amphipod Aora gracilis (Bate) was studied in Lough Hyne, south-west Ireland. A maximum of 12·9% of A. gracilis females were infected in any monthly sample derived from the sponges Halichondria panicea (Pallas) and Hymeniacidon perleve (Montagu), but up to 42·9% per month from plastic-mesh substrata. The parasitism of Amphipoda by Sphaeronella species is reviewed.

Keywords :

• parasitism
• Copepoda
• Sphaeronella
• Amphipoda
• Aora