Ciliate—decapod epibiosis in two areas of the north-west Mediterranean coast

Abstract

A study was carried out of the protozoan ciliate epibionts present on diverse decapod crustaceans from two areas of the north-west Mediterranean. A total of 92 crustaceans was examined (65 brachyurans and 27 anomurans, belonging to 15 species). Seventeen ciliate species were identified (two heterotrichs, two chonotrichs, ten suctorians, and three peritrichs). This is the first record of the family of folliculinid ciliates as epibiont on crustaceans in Mediterranean waters. The suctorian Acinetides symbiotica, considered endemic to Lake Nyassa, was found in the sampling areas. Local variations, microlocation on the surface and anatomical units of the decapods, and differential distribution of epibionts were also considered.