Meeting Abstract
P3.116 Monday, Jan. 6 15:30 Invasion of rhizocephalan parasite Loxothylacus panopaei (Gissler, 1884) in the northwest Atlantic. KULINS, S.*; FREEMAN, A.; FOWLER, A.; BLAKESLEE, A.; Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, USA.; Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, USA.; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA. ; Long Island University–Post, Brookville, NY, USA. skulins@gmail.com
Loxothylacus panopaei is a parasitic rhizocephalan barnacle that infects at least nine species of xanthid crabs. Rhizocephalan parasites interfere with key crab functions such as molting, reproduction and the immune system. We recorded the first occurrence of Loxothylacus sp. north of the Chesapeake Bay (USA) in the Long Island Sound in August 2012. Field surveys conducted in 2013 of intertidal sites in New York and New Jersey confirmed the rhizocephalan parasite’s presence at several sites in Long Island Sound. Intertidal surveys consisted of 10-15 one meter2 quadrats, randomly placed along transects in the mud/rocks above the water’s edge during low tide. Quadrats were searched thoroughly until all crabs were collected and then the number of each species of crab, its sex, size and infection status (based on the presence of rhizocephalan externae) was recorded. Environmental conditions such as temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were also recorded at each site since Loxothylacus sp. is often found within particular salinity and temperature ranges. We discuss the parasite’s current distribution and prevalence in New York and New Jersey, vectors for the parasite’s expansion and possible impacts on other native crabs.
