Temporal and spatial infection patterns of the rhizocephalan parasite Parasacculina leptodiae (Guérin-Ganivet, 1911) in the crab Leptodius exaratus along the shores of Kuwait

Rhizocephalan cirripedes are a very unique group of parasites infecting decapod crustaceans, but apart from few well-studied species, little is known on their ecology and impact hosts. Here we report the results 14-month study infestations rhizocephalan Parasacculina leptodiae in rocky shore crab Leptodius exaratus along shores Kuwait Persian (Arabian) Gulf. Monthly samples an intertidal gradient revealed slightly higher prevalence P. female (18%) compared to male crabs (11%) marked differences among sampling sites. Crabs more sheltered locations Bay showed lower exposed Seasonal patterns were largely absent, some monthly variation depending site. was generally highest both sexes at shores. This possibly resulted exposure infective stages movements infected parts shore. Prevalence ovigerous females significantly declined with increasing local parasite prevalence. suggests that well-known castrating effects rhizocephalans individual hosts can also affect reproduction population level which has not been shown before. Our indicate common L. Kuwait, potential crab’s dynamics warrants further study.