Mutualisms often involve one host supporting multiple symbionts, whose identity, density and intraguild interactions can influence the nature of the mutualism and performance of the host. However, the implications of multiple co-occurring symbionts on services to a host have rarely been quantified. In this study, we quantified effects of decapod symbionts on removal of sediment from their coral...

Molecular methods are playing an increasingly important role in reconstructing phylogenetic relationships. Regardless of what source of DNA is used, the simple idea behind it is that the genetic distance (distinctness of DNA sequences) between any two taxa should be proportional to the time of their separation. Genetic markers with different degrees of variability appear appropriate for differe...

Abstract The application of DNA barcoding represents a complementary and efficient approach to identifying specimens at all stages their life cycle when used in combination with traditional morphological methods. Due difficulties obtaining samples from the deep sea (> 200 m), these methods have been less frequently applied deep-water taxa. We DNA-barcoding techniques enhance large-scale ...

This article provides an overview of our understanding of life-long neurogenesis in the decapod crustacean brain, where the proliferation of sensory and interneurons is controlled by many of the same factors as is neurogenesis in the mammalian brain. The relative simplicity, spatial organization and accessibility of the crustacean brain provide opportunities to examine specific neuronal pathway...

The diversity on coral reefs has long captivated observers. We examine the mechanisms of speciation, role of ecology in speciation, and patterns of species distribution in a typical reef-associated clade-the diverse and colorful Calcinus hermit crabs-to address the origin of tropical marine diversity. We sequenced COI, 16S, and H3 gene regions for approximately 90% of 56 putative species, inclu...

For the first time the entire sequence of the mating behaviour of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) in the wild is captured on underwater video. This footage also provides evidence that mating can take place near the seafloor at depths of 400– 700 m. This observation challenges the generally accepted concept of the pelagic lifestyle of krill. The mating behaviour observed most closely resembl...

A new species of pontoniine shrimp, Periclimenes nevillei, from Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, is described and illustrated. The species is an associate of an antipatharian host, Cirripathes sp. A member of the Periclimenes brevicarpalis species group, to which a key is provided, it most closely resembles Periclimenes albolineatus Bruce & Coombes, 1997.

We investigated the influence of environmental factors in spatial and temporal distribution of the seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri in Santos Bay and São Vicente Estuary, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Monthly samples were obtained, from May 2008 through April 2010, from four locations in the estuary and four in the bay. No individual was collected in the estuary and this was attributed to the l...