A FUNGUS PARASITE IN OVA OF THE BARNACLE CHTHAMALUS FRAGILIS DENTICULATA

Abstract

1. Lagenidium chthamalophilum is described as a parasite of the ova of Chthamalus fragilis denticulata. The pathogen is characterized by the formation of a vesicle before sporangial protoplasm migration, and by highly vacuolate, stout vegetative hyphae. In these features, L. chthamalophilum differs from the usual interpretation of members of the genus. The fungus is compared with other Phycomycetes known to parasitize crustacean ova. 2. Artificial inoculation experiments show L. chthanzalophilum to be specific for C. fragilis denticulata. The associated barnacle, Balanus amphitrite, is resistant to the fungus.