An association between a lip arid fish species and the stone crab Lithodes tropicalis (Decapoda, Anomura)

Abstract

FiSh eggs, thought to be Ihose of the llparid fish, <i>Careproctus griseldea</i>, were found In the gill chambers of several specimens 01 the stone crab, <i>Lithodes tropicalis</i>, caught in deep-water (-600 m) oil the South West African/Namibian coast (-24°46'S/13°28'E). The size class and quantity of crabs involved in this symbiotic relationship are discussed and some observations are made as to the diameter, number and maturity of the fish eggs removed from the crabs.

S. Afr. J. Zool. 1987, 22(2)