GIANT ISOPOD, ANUROPUS - A SCYPHOZOAN SYMBIONT

In situ observations and mid-water trawl catches show that Anuropus lives within a large scyphozoan, Deepstaria enigmatica. Apparently, the isopod feeds on its medusa host and may render it incapable of normal movement. Hook-like thoracic appendages, pointed epimeral plates, modification of all abdominal appendages for respiration, atrophied antennules, and lack of eyes may be adaptations of anuropids to a symbiotic existence. These observations resolve some perplexing questions regarding previous Anuropus collections. © 1969.