Choniomyzon taiwanensis n. sp. (Crustacea: Copepoda: Nicothoidae) Parasitic on the External Egg Mass of the Longlegged Spiny Lobster Panulirus longipes longipes (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae) from Taiwanese Waters

Abstract

Choniomyzon taiwanensis n. sp. is described based on specimens collected from examining external egg masses of spiny lobster Panulirus longipes longipes (Milne-Edwards, 1868), obtained from Hualien, Taiwan. The new species differs from its congeners in possessing the following characteristics: (1) small prosome (about 0.84 mm); (2) armature of antennule being 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1+1 (aesthetasc), 4, 6+1 (aesthetasc); (3) five-segmented antenna; (4) second segment of antenna bearing 1 inner seta; (5) two-segmented maxilla. Based on the evidence of distinctive morphological features and host preference, Choniomyzon taiwanensis n. sp. is a new species. Until now, four species of Choniomyzon have been known living on decapods, and the new species reported here is the first record of Choniomyzon species from spiny lobster in Taiwanese waters.