The associations of Amphipoda Hyperiidea with gelatinous zooplankton—II. Associations with Cnidaria, Ctenophora and Radiolaria
Abstract
We have collected representatives of 12 of the 22 families of Amphipoda Hyperiidea while SCUBA diving. We have found that members of five families (Paraphronimidae, Lycaeopsidae, Pronoidae, Parascelidae and Platyscelidae) are associated only with siphonophores. Species within the Hyperiidae and Brachyscelidae are associated primarily with medusae, as are some members of the Lycaeidae. Members of the Oxycephalidae are often found with ctenophores, but are frequently found free-living or with other gelatinous organisms. Members of the Phronimidae fashion their barrels from a number of different gelatinous zooplankters. We have collected members of the Phrosinidae, but not in association with gelatinous zooplankton. Taken together with members of the Vibilidae, which have been found only on salps, the families we have collected include all of those expected to be accessible to our collecting technique. In many cases, the association between amphipod and host is highly specific. Our collections have led to the conclusion that most, if not all, hyperiid amphipods are associated with gelatinous zooplankton during some portion of their life histories. A knowledge of the nature of these interactions is essential to an understanding of the evolution of the group.
- Publication:
-
Deep Sea Research
- Pub Date:
- May 1977
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0146-6291(77)90484-2
- Bibcode:
- 1977DSR....24..465H