Phyllosoma larvæ associated with medusæ

Abstract

ON four occasions phyllosoma larvæ of the scyllarid lobster Ibacus have been found intimately associated with scyphozoan medusæ. In May 1960, a number of purple semseostome medusæ (Pelagia panopyra) were found in Sydney Harbour. Each medusa had a phyllosoma larva of Ibacus firmly attached to the ex-umbrellar surface of the bell. The larvæ clung tenaciously to this surface and were difficult to remove without injuring them. In aquaria, larvæ were repeatedly removed and placed among the tentacles of the medusæ to see if they would be eaten, but on all occasions they were unharmed and rapidly climbed back to the upper surface of the bell. © 1963 Nature Publishing Group.