We are working on epiphytic infestation of seaweeds, the following animal causes extensive damage to Gracilaria spp. (Gracilaria edulis, G. dura) due to its attachment and grazing. Could any one help me in providing its taxonomic identity? The photographs of its dorsal and ventral view are appended.
Where were the isopods found? And do you have the dimensions of the organism? If you can show a lateral view of the isopod, then a better guess would be possible. However, based on the above photos and the location of your institute alone, I would say that they are possibly "Acanthocope spinicauda Beddard" or potentially "Macrostylis porrecta Mezhov". Please bear in mind this is a best guess, but I would say probably Acanthocope spinicauda Beddard
It is about 3 - 8 (10) mm in length and 1 - 4 mm in breadth. I shall try to capture the lateral view and post it in next week. The body is hard and becomes curved when out of water. They are abundant in both Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar area. The intensity reaches maximum during turbid waters.
This sampled organism belongs to the order- Isopoda, Family- Sphaeromatidae
Dear Dr. Vibhav,
You can contact Dr. Ravichandran ([email protected]) or Dr. K. Raja ([email protected]) for this matter. They are good in identifying the species.
It resembles Paracerceis sp, i found similar kind of species on Sargassum wightii......
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