Phylogenetic ecology of gall crabs (Cryptochiridae) as associates of mushroom corals (Fungiidae).

ABSTRACT: Coral-associated fauna is a relatively understudied topic. Hence, the nature of the relationship between an associated organism and its host is usually unknown. In the present study, the obligate associations between gall crabs (Decapoda: Cryptochiridae) and mushroom corals (Scleractinia: Fungiidae) are reviewed from a phylogenetic perspective. Based on field surveys, examination of museum material and a literature review, a total of 35 fungiid species have been found that act as hosts for four gall crab species. Fungiid-associated gall crabs appear to be more geographically widespread than previously known, with new records showing their occurrences from the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean all the way to the central Pacific Ocean. The obligate nature of the association between cryptochir

SUBMITTER: van der Meij SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4717343 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature