Ectoparasitism of Telotha Henselii (Von Martens) (Isopoda, Cymothoidae) On Macrobrachium Brasiliense (Heller) (Decapoda, Palaemonidae)

Exceptionally preserved cryptoniscium larvae - morphological details of rare isopod crustaceans from French Cretaceous Vendean amber

“…A transition from a fish to a crustacean host is not difficult to imagine. Males of Cymothoidae (Thelota henseli) have even been reported feeding on palaemonid shrimps (De Castro, 1985). The involvement of a smaller crustacean (copepod) as intermediate host complicates the evolutionary scenario of the epicaridean life cycle.…”

Diseases of Nephrops and Metanephrops: A review

“…While cymothoid isopods have been described associated with a number of non-teleost hosts previously, the authors note that in this case, there is some degree of uncertainty as to whether these parasites form true infections or whether they are accidental associations. In certain cases, such as in Telotha henselii infection of Macrobrachium brasiliense, Macrobrachium borelli and Pseudopalaemon bouveri, studies have suggested that the association is not accidental but rather that young males of this species may utilise shrimp as intermediate hosts (Lemos de Castro, 1985;Grassini, 1994). Whether such association is true for the isopod infestation of N. norvegicus remains to be shown.…”

Livoneca sinuata (Crustacea; Isopoda; Cymothoidae) on Loligo vulgaris from Turkey, and unusual cymothoid associations

“…The main point is, therefore, to determine, following several previous authors (Trilles 1969, Stadler 1972, Capapé & Pantoustier 1976, Lemos de Castro & Gomes Corrêa 1982, Lemos de Castro 1985, Grassini 1994, Bello & Mariniello 1998, whether such unusual associations are accidental, occasional or whether such unusual organisms are true potential hosts for some cymothoids. Concerning this last point, Williams & Bunkley-Williams (1994) reported that new associations are usually begun by immature stages, but may also be initiated by adults, and these observations make them excellent subjects for discerning complex parasitological processes.…”

“…(2) As an ectoparasite on Macrobrachium brasiliense, in rivers of the Chapada dos Guimaraes and Nioaque regions, both in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, by Lemos de Castro (1985). According to the author, a great number of specimens of M. brasiliense was collected and many were parasitized by the male phase of Telotha henselii.…”

“…On the other hand, no isopods were found parasitizing the fishes collected at the same localities. Lemos de Castro (1985) deduced, therefore, that perhaps the association was not accidental, but that these isopods, when young (in the male phase), utilize shrimps as intermediary hosts.…”