Studies of Commensal Leucothoid Amphipods: Two New Sponge-Inhabiting Species from South Florida and the Western Caribbean

Authors

James Darwin Thomas, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Kristine N. Klebba, Nova Southeastern University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2006

Publication Title

Journal of Crustacean Biology

ISSN

0278-0372

Volume

26

Issue/No.

1

First Page

13

Last Page

22

Abstract

Two new species of commensal leucothoid amphipods, Leucothoe ashleyae and Leucothoe kensleyi, are described with detailed host and ecological data. Although leucothoid amphipods are common endocommensals in sponges, tunicates, and bivalve mollusks, few authors have detailed specific host associations. Information on specific leucothoid host associations will further refine taxonomic and ecological studies within Leucothoidae. The convoluted taxonomic history of leucothoids necessitates the development and application of more precise taxonomic methodologies to enable comparative analyses among taxa. Persistent taxonomic constraints within Leucothoidae [sensu lato] include numerous cryptic species groups, most notably the problematic Leucothoe spinicarpa "complex."

NSUWorks Citation

James Darwin Thomas and Kristine N. Klebba. 2006. Studies of Commensal Leucothoid Amphipods: Two New Sponge-Inhabiting Species from South Florida and the Western Caribbean .Journal of Crustacean Biology , (1) : 13 -22. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_facarticles/575.

DOI

10.1651/C-2624.1