Distribution of the protozoan epibiont Ophryodendron mysidacii (Ciliophora, Suctoria) on the mysid Schistomysis parkeri (Crustacea)

Abstract

The Schistomysis parkeri population is one of the most important components of the suprabenthic community of the ‘swash zone’ at Hendaye Beach (Bay of Biscay, Atlantic Ocean, France), near the mouth of the River Bidasoa. In samples containing this mysid, a suctorian epibiont of the genus Ophryodendron was found, showing two types of forms: tentaculate and vermiform and a resistant stage. The number and distribution of these epibionts on the surface of the mysid was analysed, taking into account the sex and age group of the crustacean. The data showed a significant correlation between the size and maturity state of the mysid, and the number of epibionts. The tentaculate forms were generally located on the uropods, penian lobes, abdominal segments, telson and eyes. The vermiform individuals were located on the bristles of the uropods, on the eyes, and on the basal area of the antennae and antennulae.