An interesting association between a freshwater sponge (Porifera) and an ostracod (Crustacea) in Lake Titicaca (Bolivia)

Summary

The giant ostracod Chlamydotheca incisa (Claus, 1893), was found to live in and on sponges in Lake Titicaca. It is here postulated that this species, generally confined to temporary habitats to avoid predation by fish, can survive in the lake only in specialized microhabitats which provide protection against such predation. Chlamydotheca incisa is a common and widespread species, and as no speciation events seem to have occurred, the present association is believed to be of a relatively recent age.