Biological associations between barnacles and jellyfish with emphasis on the ectoparasitism of Alepas pacifica (Lepadomorpha) on Diplulmaris malayensis (Scyphozoa)

Abstract

Ten specimens of the rare scyphozoan Diplulmaris malayensis Stiasny, 1935 have been found with cirripedes Alepas pacifica Pilsbry, 1907 attached to their surface. This association is interpreted as ectoparasitism because adult barnacles produce deep clefts in the scyphomedusan umbrella, the gonads of which show signs of being preyed upon by the barnacle. A review of the literature on barnacles attached to jellyfish is presented with an interpretation of the meaning of this uncommon association