Paremedius californica gen. nov. sp. nov., an ascothoracid parasite of Californian brisingid asteroids

Abstract

A new species of the family Dendrogastridae (Ascothoracida: Crustacea) from Californian waters is described. The species is endoparasitic in asteroids of the family Brisingidae. It is placed in a new genus, intermediate in position between Bifurgaster and Dendrogaster, characterized by the absence of secondary branching and the possession of a middle piece.