info:eu-repo/semantics/article
The symbiotic relationship between Lychnorhiza lucerna (Scyphozoa, Rhizostomeae) and Libinia spinosa (Decapoda, Epialtidae) in the Rı´o de la Plata (Argentina–Uruguay)
Fecha
2012-06Registro en:
Sal Moyano, María Paz; Schiariti, Agustin; Giberto, Diego Agustin; Diaz Briz, Luciana Mabel; Gavio, Maria Andrea; et al.; The symbiotic relationship between Lychnorhiza lucerna (Scyphozoa, Rhizostomeae) and Libinia spinosa (Decapoda, Epialtidae) in the Rı´o de la Plata (Argentina–Uruguay); Springer; Marine Biology; 159; 9; 6-2012; 1933-1941
0025-3162
CONICET Digital
CONICET
Autor
Sal Moyano, María Paz
Schiariti, Agustin
Giberto, Diego Agustin
Diaz Briz, Luciana Mabel
Gavio, Maria Andrea
Mianzan, Hermes Walter
Resumen
Herein, we characterize a symbiotic relationship between the scyphomedusa Lychnorhiza lucerna and the decapod crustacean Libinia spinosa in Río de la Plata, South America. Of 843 specimens of L. lucerna examined during the study, 69 (8.2 %) hosted L. spinosa within subgenital spaces. The broad spatial and temporal scale of the study, together with the large number of observations made, confirm an association between the two species. Medusae having crab associates were mature and larger than those lacking such symbionts. Adult crabs of both sexes, as well as juveniles and soft-shell individuals, were found as associates of medusae. Analysis of crab stomach contents revealed the presence of nematocysts and copepod remains. Our results suggest that medusae provide protection and possibly access to food for crabs. Benefits related to transportation were not clear and need further evaluation. Crabs of L. spinosa may acquire their scyphozoan symbionts either as larvae planktonic stages or as adult crabs attaching to jellyfish when aggregating close to bottom.