Unravelling the trophic interaction between a parasitic barnacle (Anelasma squalicola) and its host Southern lanternshark (Etmopterus granulosus) using stable isotopes.

ABSTRACT: The parasitic barnacle, Anelasma squalicola, is a rare and evolutionary fascinating organism. Unlike most other filter-feeding barnacles, A. squalicola has evolved the capability to uptake nutrient from its host, exclusively parasitizing deepwater sharks of the families Etmopteridae and Pentanchidae. The physiological mechanisms involved in the uptake of nutrients from its host are not yet known. Using stable isotopes and elemental compositions, we followed the fate of nitrogen, carbon and sulphur through various tissues of A. squalicola and its host, the Southern lanternshark Etmopterus granulosus, to better understand the trophic relationship between parasite and host. Like most marine parasites, A. squalicola is lipid-rich and clear differences were fo

SUBMITTER: Sabadel AJM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10090636 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature