Scott & Jeanette Johnson, Kwajalein Unterwater
Info
Anthessiidae sp.
Copepods are very successful at forming associations with other marine organisms, with mollusks appearing to be one of the most preferred partners. According to Ho (1997), a total of 246 copepod species have been described in association with 458 mollusk species. Members of the family Anthessiidae are predominantly associated with molluscs, although some are associated with algae, plankton, crustaceans and bony fish. The Anthessius species are often associated with various slugs.
Unfortunately, the exact assignment of the pink-colored parasitic copepods (copepods) to genus/species is currently not possible. The photos posted show the variety of affected slugs. The recordings come from the Marshall Islands.
Copepods are very successful at forming associations with other marine organisms, with mollusks appearing to be one of the most preferred partners. According to Ho (1997), a total of 246 copepod species have been described in association with 458 mollusk species. Members of the family Anthessiidae are predominantly associated with molluscs, although some are associated with algae, plankton, crustaceans and bony fish. The Anthessius species are often associated with various slugs.
Unfortunately, the exact assignment of the pink-colored parasitic copepods (copepods) to genus/species is currently not possible. The photos posted show the variety of affected slugs. The recordings come from the Marshall Islands.
