Multiple occurrences of Callinectes sapidus larvae on Gulf of Mexico Chrysaora chesapeakei

Abstract

Abstract The commercially important Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, recruits to bays and estuarine habitats from planktonic megalopal larvae throughout the eastern United States. These megalopae engage in vertical and horizontal swimming to reach a location of primary settlement, most commonly seagrass beds. These benthic habitats provide food and shelter for the megalopae as they metamorphose into juveniles. These benefits may be gained from planktonic association as well. Across 4 years and multiple sites in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico, we record Callinectes megalopae and small juveniles actively clinging to Chrysaora chesapeakei (the Chesapeake Bay Nettle) medusae. Up to 301 individual megalopae were recorded on a single jellyfish. This establishes that C. chesapeakei is used as transport and temporary nursery habitat by the C. sapidus megalopae. This report brings light to a mid-water interaction of a commercially valuable crustacean and a seasonal scyphozoan that may facilitate juvenile recruitment.