A hitherto undescribed association between the comatulid, Antedon mediterranea and the galatheid crab, Munida intermedia, from the Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean Sea), is herein reported. Three pairs of Antedon/Munida were sampled on muddy bottoms at a depth ranging from 10 to 95 m. The crabs collected were too small to establish their sex, and two of them were smaller than previously recorded. The specimens of M. intermedia were found on the external side of the arm base of the host and showed a cryptic coloration pattern. The relationship between A. mediterranea and young M. intermedia is not yet clear. The first seems to be a passive partner, while the latter probably takes advantage of its position on the crinoid’s arm. The crab may find protection and shelter, and it may capture planktonic matter or larger living prey.
Young Specimens of Munida intermedia (Decapoda, Anomura) Living on Antedon mediterranea (Crinoidea, Echinodermata)
MANGANO, MARIA CRISTINA;PORPORATO, ERIKA MARIA;SPANO', Nunziacarla
2010-01-01
Abstract
A hitherto undescribed association between the comatulid, Antedon mediterranea and the galatheid crab, Munida intermedia, from the Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean Sea), is herein reported. Three pairs of Antedon/Munida were sampled on muddy bottoms at a depth ranging from 10 to 95 m. The crabs collected were too small to establish their sex, and two of them were smaller than previously recorded. The specimens of M. intermedia were found on the external side of the arm base of the host and showed a cryptic coloration pattern. The relationship between A. mediterranea and young M. intermedia is not yet clear. The first seems to be a passive partner, while the latter probably takes advantage of its position on the crinoid’s arm. The crab may find protection and shelter, and it may capture planktonic matter or larger living prey.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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