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New host and geographical distribution for the pearlfish Carapus mourlani (carapidae) with a discussion on its biology
Parmentier, E.; Mercier, A.; Hamel, J.-F. (2006). New host and geographical distribution for the pearlfish Carapus mourlani (carapidae) with a discussion on its biology. Copeia 2006(1): 122-128. https://dx.doi.org/10.1643/0045-8511(2006)006[0122%3ANHAGDF]2.0.CO%3B2
In: Copeia. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists: New York, N.Y., etc.. ISSN 0045-8511; e-ISSN 1938-5110, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keyword
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Parmentier, E., more
  • Mercier, A.
  • Hamel, J.-F.

Abstract
    Specimens of the pearlfish Carapus mourlani (Carapidae) were observed for the first time in association with the sea cucumber Isostichopus fuscus (Holothuroidea: Echinodermata) along the coast of Ecuador. Out of 4345 sea cucumbers collected from various depths between 5 and 60 m, 12 harbored a pearlfish either in the coelomic cavity, the respiratory tree, or the digestive tract, yielding a prevalence of ca. 0.0028. The presence of C. mourlani appeared to be detrimental to the holothurian host in some cases. Side effects resulting from coelomic cavity infections included less advanced gonad maturity (reduced gonadal tubule diameter and length, lower ratio of mature oocytes) and a significant proportion of necrotic and shriveled gonadal tubules, devoid of gametes. Aside from discussing this evidence, the present paper briefly describes the biology of the pearlfish, its relationship with the host, and its daily activity cycle.

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