Gorgonophilus canadensis (Copepoda: Lamippidae) a parasite in the octocoral Paragorgia arborea – relation to host, reproduction, and morphology

Abstract The family Lamippidae (Cyclopoida) are endosymbionts mainly occurring in shallow water octocorals and records from deep-sea corals few. Here we investigated the relationship between lamippid Gorgonophilus canadensis Buhl-Mortensen & Mortensen, 2004 its host coral Paragorgia arborea . Twenty-one specimens of G. was found inside eight gall-like structures on a P. colony collected 2010 at 318 m depth off Norway. galls contained average 1.6 females, 1.0 males, 7.5 egg sacs estimated to contain 400 eggs each. Females were larger than males (4.6 mm compared 2.0 mm). gall volume increased with number sacs, length females inside, latter correlation significant ( p < 0.05). positively correlated abundance 0.05), by adding Canadian data 17 relation numbers became stronger 0.01 0.05, respectively). Scanning electron microscopy revealed that this highly modified endoparasite has thoracic appendages non-segmented flexible spines specialized structure their tips through which threads excreted. We speculate adaptation could relate feeding or attachment galls. Thread production rarely been reported for copepods explore function group as well other crustaceans. age size parasite, introduction release is also discussed.