The sunfish Mola mola as an attachment surface for the lepadid cirriped Lepas anatifera : a previously unreported association

Barreiros, João P.; Teves, Manuel

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.3/1566

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Authors

Barreiros, João P.

Teves, Manuel

Abstract(s)

On the 14th September 2004 a stranded sunfish (Mola mola) was found on the south coast of Terceira Island, Azores Archipelago (NE Atlantic). Whilst examining its mouth for the possible presence of plastic debris, we discovered a live colony of the cirriped Lepas anatifera attached to the anterior portion of the sunfish’s oesophagus. This previously undescribed association expands the ecological niches exploited by goose barnacles with apparent advantages such as a regular intake of food and protection both from hydrodynamic hazards and from predators.

Description

Keywords

Lepas anatifera Mola mola Species Association

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.3/1566

Citation

Barreiros, J.P. & Teves, M. (2005). "The sunfish Mola mola as an attachment surface for the lepadid cirriped Lepas anatifera – a previously unreported association". «aqua : Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology», 10(1): 1-4. ISSN 0945-9871.