Morphological feminization in the hermit crabs (family Paguridae) induced by the rhizocephalan barnacles DOI
Asami Kajimoto,

Aiko Iwasaki,

Tsuyoshi Ohira

et al.

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 25, 2025

Abstract Rhizocephalans (Thecostraca: Cirripedia) are parasitic crustaceans that infect a wide range of decapod hosts, including hermit crabs, and shrimps. These parasites exert profound effects on their inducing castration, suppressing the development secondary sexual characteristics, feminizing male altering behavior resembles females. In this study, we examined characteristics two crabs– Pagurus lanuginosus from Asari Town (Hokkaido, Japan) Sea Japan coast Pagurus filholi from Chikura (Chiba, Pacific coast–both parasitized by Peltogasterella gracilis andPeltogaster sp., respectively. Specifically, assessed presence pleopods length right large cheliped. Our findings demonstrate P. and P.filholi Peltogaster sp. exhibit morphological changes females, confirming feminization. Moreover, magnitude effect feminization varies between the host species depending rhizocephalan genus. It indicates extent varied parasite Notably, different genera induced varying degrees modification, even within same species. Similarly, level caused single genus differed between study highlights importance to understand both crab offer crucial insights into its host.

Language: Английский

Morphological feminization in the hermit crabs (family Paguridae) induced by the rhizocephalan barnacles DOI
Asami Kajimoto,

Aiko Iwasaki,

Tsuyoshi Ohira

et al.

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 25, 2025

Abstract Rhizocephalans (Thecostraca: Cirripedia) are parasitic crustaceans that infect a wide range of decapod hosts, including hermit crabs, and shrimps. These parasites exert profound effects on their inducing castration, suppressing the development secondary sexual characteristics, feminizing male altering behavior resembles females. In this study, we examined characteristics two crabs– Pagurus lanuginosus from Asari Town (Hokkaido, Japan) Sea Japan coast Pagurus filholi from Chikura (Chiba, Pacific coast–both parasitized by Peltogasterella gracilis andPeltogaster sp., respectively. Specifically, assessed presence pleopods length right large cheliped. Our findings demonstrate P. and P.filholi Peltogaster sp. exhibit morphological changes females, confirming feminization. Moreover, magnitude effect feminization varies between the host species depending rhizocephalan genus. It indicates extent varied parasite Notably, different genera induced varying degrees modification, even within same species. Similarly, level caused single genus differed between study highlights importance to understand both crab offer crucial insights into its host.

Language: Английский

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