Introduction to the Rhizocephala (Crustacea: Cirripedia)

✍ Scribed by Graham Walker

• Book ID: 102903239
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2001
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 797 KB
• Volume: 249
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0362-2525
• DOI: 10.1002/jmor.1038

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Knowledge about the Rhizocephala (parasitic barnacles) has increased exponentially over the past two decades. This introduction broadly reviews this progress, touching on rhizocephalan morphology, life‐cycles, larval biology, and the effects on the crustacean hosts. Members representing both orders, the Kentrogonida and Akentrogonida, are discussed. The recent discovery regarding the vermigon stage further highlights the intricacy of the kentrogonid life‐cycle. Because rhizocephalans are found in most world regions, occurring on their respective hosts from the deep ocean to freshwater, their importance is now being recognized. J. Morphol. 249:1–8, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.