An update and review of commensals on Chilean inland water Decapoda

Abstract

The commensals on Chilean Decapoda of inland waters are characterized by a marked microendemism. The aim of the present study was to do an exhaustive review on the ectocommensals on Chilean inland-water decapods. The literature revealed the presence of species of Protozoa, viz., eight known only from Parastacus pugnax (Lagenophrys andos, Operculigera insolita, O. parastacis, O. seticola, O. striata, O. taura, Chilenophrys allendei, and Circolagenophrys shiftus), one for both P. pugnax and P. nicoletti (L. anticthos), one for Parastacus pugnax and Samastacus spinifrons (O. asymmetrica), and one reported for Aegla laevis (O. velata). In addition, the presence of flatworms was described, specifically Temnocephala chilensis, associated with A. laevis, P. pugnax, and S. spinifrons, and species of Polychaeta, i.e., Stratiodrilus platensis associated with A. abtao and A. bahamondei, S. aeglaphilus for A. laevis, and S. pugnaxi for P. nicoletti. Biogeographical, ecological and taxonomic implications are discussed.