A marine fungus Plectospira dubia n.sp. [Saprolegniaceae], infecting crustacean eggs and small Crustacea

Abstract

SummaryA marine fungus, Plectospira dubia n.sp., has been found infecting crustacean eggs and small Crustacea in the Plymouth Laboratory. It has the following characteristics: mycelium mostly intra-matrical, coarse, hyphae 50–100µ in diameter. Sporangia irregularly inflated, emptying by efferent hyphae of variable length and frequently of irregular diameter; sometimes proliferous; wall persistent. Zoospores dicystic and dimorphic, but the first swimming stage largely suppressed, the first zoospores mostly encysting within the sporangium after a short period of feeble activity, then swimming in the second stage. The first zoospores pyriform and flagellate (probably biflagellate): in the second motile stage laterally grooved with two laterally inserted flagella. First zoospores about 1oµ long, when encysted 7–8µ in diameter; in the second motile stage 11–12µ long, when encysted 6–7µ. in diameter. Gemmae numerous, spherical, up to 1OOµ. in diameter. Sexual organs so far unknown.