Green mussel Perna viridis, a new host for the pea crab Pinnotheres placunae along the Malabar coast, Kerala.

摘要

The presence of pea crab (Pinnotheres placunae) in green mussel (Perna viridis) collected along the Malabar coast in Kerala, India, was reported. From July 2003 to June 2004, a total of 1200 mussels were examined for the presence of pea crab. The location and number of pea crabs on either side of the viscera were recorded as well as the damages caused on the soft parts of the host. The wet weight of the mussel was also measured. The length and width of the crab's carapace were determined. Among the mussels studied, 74 were infested with pea crabs. Majority of the crabs were found near the exhalent siphon within the mantle cavity. Female pea crabs could be distinguished from males by having larger carapace and chelipeds. Infected mussels had stunted growth as observed in their shell length (6.8 cm) and wet weight (3.2 g). The gills appeared to be the most affected part in the mussels. Various types of gill erosion and malformation were observed in affected mussels. P. viridis was found to be a new host for Pinnotheres placunae along the Malabar coast..