Differential epibiont fouling in relation to grooming behavior in Palaemonetes kadiakensis

UiNIIVLRSiTY OF
ILLINOIS LIBRARY
URBANA -CHAMPAIGN
BIOLOGY

1

FIELDIANA

Published by Field Museum of Natural History

Volume 72, No. 1 August 31, 1978

Differential Epibiont Fouling in Relation to
Grooming Behavior in Palaemonetes kadiakensis

BRUCE E. FELGENHAUER

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, TALLAHASSEE

and

FREDERICK R. SCHRAM-

DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY T)M tikm\ «f tbe

EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, CHARLESTON

AND OCT 2 1Q7Q

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I ^ / O

IELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY niversity or Illinois

INTRODUCTION

Competition for substrates for attachment by sessile organisms is
a constant process in the freshwater environment. Most unoccupied
surfaces are quickly inhabited by various forms of sessile in-
vertebrate fauna, i.e., bacteria, algae, sessile protozoans,
coelenterates, bryozoans, and larval insects. These organisms which
attach to the body surfaces of other animals are termed epibionts.

The nature of the crustacean exoskeleton provides a suitable
substrate for attachment by epibionts. Most Crustacea are mobile,
providing constant flow of water and nutrients across the ex-
oskeleton and thereby supplying an optimal habitat for epibionts.

The harbouring of epibionts can create problems for the crusta-
cean host, depending on the location and degree of infestation
(Bauer, 1975). Suspended material in the water column caused by
the constant motion of turbid water can clog and cover surfaces
through which contact between the animal and the external environ-
ment must take place, i.e., gill lamellae, chemoreceptive setation,
and antennae (Bauer, 1975). The physical and biological problems

'Present address: San Diego Natural History Museum.
Library of Congress Catalog Card No.: 78-52779
ISSN 00 15-0754

Publication 1285 83

84 FIELDIANA: ZOOLOGY, VOLUME 72

engendered by epibiont infestation has elicited the development of
an elaborate system for the removal of fouling organisms and
debris.

Grooming is an integral part of the activities of caridian prawns.
Doflein (1910) described the brushing of gills by the first chelae of
Palaemon xiphias. Hoglund (1943) reported the importance of clean-
ing prior to spawning in Palaemon squilla. Bauer (1975) described
the relevant morphology of the grooming appendages of the cari-
dian shrimp Pandalus danae.

The functional morphology of the grooming appendages was
taken up by Felgenhauer and Schram (in press). P. kadiakensis oc-
curs mainly in waters of the Central United States west of the
Alleghenies (Holthius, 1949). The prawn is transparent in life and
ranges from 30-54 mm. in length. It is too small to be of any direct
commercial importance, but is of great value indirectly forming one
of the important links in the food chain which supports commercial
and game fish. Grooming is a constant and time-consuming process
in this prawn. The process and effects of grooming had not been ade-
quately studied in freshwater prawns. The importance of such
grooming is described in this study, as is field testing which eluci-
dates the patterns and processes of grooming in Palaemonetes
kadiakensis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Collections of Palaemonetes kadiakensis were made by dip net-
ting through the waterwillow Dianthera americana in the littoral
zone of Lake Charleston, Coles County, Illinois. Field experiments
were used to establish whether and how the grooming appendages
prevent the prawn's exoskeleton from becoming fouled by epibionts
and debris. Various combinations of amputations of grooming ap-
pendages (third maxillipeds; first, second, and fifth pereiopods) were
used to establish their use and grooming effectiveness. The prawns
were exposed to their natural environment for from 24 to 72 hr.
periods in 4 x 6 in., one-quarter inch hardware-cloth cages. For each
trial five control prawns and an equal number of amputee prawns
were lowered into the environment. In addition, 1 x 3 in. glass plates
were also used to establish the epizoic fauna and check for differen-
tiation between an inanimate substrate as opposed to the prawn's
body surfaces.

FELGENHAUER & SCHRAM: GROOMING IN PRAWNS 85

The pereiopods were removed at the basi-ischial joint and the
third maxillipeds were cut near the base of the coxa. After amputa-
tion the prawns were then housed in aquaria for 24 hr. to monitor
adjustment and mortality before beginning the field testing.

Three major field experiments were conducted in March, June,
and October to establish fouling patterns and the types of epibiont
settlings at various seasonal periods. Duration of the experiments
ranged between 24, 48, and 72 hr. Appendages were removed in
various combinations: 1) third maxillipeds, 2) first pereiopods, 3) se-
cond pereiopods, 4) first and second pereiopods, 5) fifth pereiopods,
6) third maxillipeds, first, second, and fifth pereiopods. At 24, 48,
and 72 hr. intervals both the prawns and glass plates were examined
for epibiont settling. Epibionts present, location, intensity of in-
festation, and time of year were noted.

RESULTS OF GROOMING EXPERIMENTS

Examination of experimental prawns revealed fouling by either
protozoans or algae, and heavy accumulations of microscopic
debris. Control prawns were found to be free of fouling in all field
tests other than light aggregations of peritrichous ciliates along the
crevices of the arthrodia and joints between the pereiopods.

Little seasonal differences were noted in fouling patterns between
the three investigations. The March experiment expressed fouling
patterns which proved to be characteristic for all three seasons
when field experiments were conducted (table 1). Fouling began on
experimental prawns as early as 24 hr. after being exposed to the en-
vironment. Removal of the third maxillipeds allowed light fouling of
the antennae after 24 hr. with increasing numbers of sessile proto-
zoans and debris by 72 hr. Removal of the first, second, and com-
binations of both first and second pereiopods permitted fouling of
the antennae, gills, branchiostegites, rostrum, and eyestalks. The
removal of only the first or the second pereiopod showed only slight
differences between their field of grooming activity. The second
pereiopod preens farther back on the margin of the carapace and
grooms the antennae less frequently.

Removal of the fifth pereiopods resulted in little fouling within
the first 24 hr., but significant fouling was seen on the pleopods,
pleura, and telson by 72 hr. Amblations of all grooming appendages
(third maxillipeds, first, second, and fifth pereiopods) afforded the

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92 FIELDIANA: ZOOLOGY, VOLUME 72

prawn little protection against the settling organisms in the en-
vironment. Extensive fouling of the exoskeleton was seen by 72 hr.

A wide variety of epibiont types was noted during March on the
infested areas of the experimental prawns (table 2). The most abun-
dant protozoan seen during the March test was the peritrich
Epistyla sp., which was observed on all portions of the exoskeleton
not groomed, but was especially conspicuous on surfaces where the
normal fluid flow would pass, i.e., branchiostegites, gills, antennae,
and pleopods. Vorticella sp. was the next most prominent sessile
protozoan aggregating mostly on the gill lamellae, pleopods, and
eyestalk/rostrum region. Algae and organic debris were extremely
common especially on the antennae and pleopods (pi. 1, figs. 1,2).
Lagenophrys was found, however, on non-groomed portions of the
exo-skeleton as well as on groomed areas and suggestions regard-
ing this apparent enigma will be given below.

The glass settling plates collected the same fauna and debris as
the prawns, except for the peritrich Lagenophrys, which was never
seen on the settling plates. Various rotifers such as Philodina and
Testudinella were observed in abundance on the settling plates, but
were rarely seen attached to the prawns themselves.

Seasonal variations were noted among the protozoans and algae
fouling experimental prawns and settling plates. Settling during the
June investigation occured in similar locations with epibiont fauna
similar to that seen in March (tables 3,4). The aesthetasc rows
located upon the base of the antennae were fouled during this time
of year with the blue-green algae Synechocystis sp. and the stalked
diatom Gonphonema sp. (pi. 1, figs. 3,4). Lagenophrys was not
recorded in the June field studies. Aggregations on settling plates
did not differ from the epibiont infestations on the prawns, except
that the plates were more densely fouled with algae and organic
debris than those observed in the Spring.

The October experiment exhibited the least amount of epibiont in-
festations, but expressed a wider variety of epibiont types present
(tables 5,6). Vorticella was predominant with fewer Epistyla than
were seen in the March and June studies. The colonial peritrich
Zoothamnium and the loricate peritrich Vaginicola were seen for the
first time during the October investigations. During the Fall, Suc-
toria, including the genera Tokaphyra sp., Squalophyra sp., and
Acineta sp., were noticed. These were located mainly upon the tel-
son and pereiopods (pi. 2, fig. 1). Settlement on artificial substrates
included various uni-celled algae, sessile protozoans, and rotifers

.1mm

.1mm

.1mm

PLATE 1. 1, Fouling of antenna with debris and Epistyla sp.; 2, Debris fouling of
pleopod; 3, Aesthetascs fouled by Synechocystis sp. (arrow); 4, Gonphonema sp.

93

94 FIELDIANA: ZOOLOGY, VOLUME 72

with little differentiation between the plates and infestations on the
prawns.

A fourth experiment was designed to test the effectiveness of
autogrooming. (Autogrooming is defined as the mutual rubbing of
paired appendages for the removal of fouling organisms and debris.)
Palaemonetes kadiakensis was observed to autogroom frequently
during grooming periods (Felgenhauer and Schram, in press). In
order to test this system, one of the third maxillipeds was am-
putated from five prawns. Five control prawns and the amputee
prawns were exposed to their natural habitat for 72 hr., with the
control prawns free of any signs of third maxilliped fouling, whereas
the experimental prawns exhibited heavy infestations on the max-
illiped setae of algae and debris (pi. 2, figs. 2,3).

DISCUSSION

The field tests on prawns demonstrated that grooming is a func-
tional adaptation to selective pressures which have brought about
the development of elaborate morphological and behavioral
changes. Experimental (amputee) prawns exhibited differential foul-
ing by epibionts and debris on areas of the exoskeleton which were
prevented from being groomed. Seasonal variations were observed
between the extent and types of epibiont fouling on the prawns and
the control artificial substrates. The morphology and functioning of
the grooming appendages has been described by Felgenhauer and
Schram (in press).

Significant differences seen between experimental and control
prawns reveals that the morphology of the setal structure is effec-
tive in keeping the exoskeleton free of fouling organisms and debris.
The grooming appendages are armed with varying combinations of
five major types of setation: simple, serrate, multi-denticulate,
plumed, and squat-hairs. The serrate and multi-denticulate setae
scrape and rasp the surfaces of the exoskeleton, including the crev-
ices of the arthrodia. The squat-hairs are mainly used for cutting
and abrading. The plumed and simple setae are not morphologically
designed for grooming and are not seen on the cleaning appendages.

The aesthetascs, located at the base of the antennae, become
fouled with algae and debris, impairing the circulation of water
which would hinder accurate olfaction. Antennular fouling impairs
reproductive success as the antennae are used in conjunction with
pheromones in finding a mate. Locomotion could be hindered by the

10jim

H . .1mm

PLATE 2. 1, Fouling by suctorians (arrow) on uropod; 2, Fouling by debris on exper-
imental non-groomed 3rd maxilliped; 3, Control on groomed maxilliped; 4, Epistyla
sp. fouling in joint of 1st pereiopod.

95

96 FIELDIANA: ZOOLOGY, VOLUME 72

settling of epibionts between the arthrodia and joints between the
pereiopods (pi. 2, fig. 4). Extensive fouling of the exoskeleton
creates frictional drag causing difficulties in swimming. The third
maxillipeds rapidly become fouled if they are prevented from
autogrooming, thereby possibly restricting the location of food
sources by inhibiting the chemoreception of the serrate setation.
The eyestalks of P. kadiakensis are constantly twitching and being
preened by the first and second pereiopods so as to avert settling
which would impede vision increasing the chance of predation.

The epibionts observed during the course of this study were com-
posed mainly of various types of peritrichous ciliates. During the
March investigations the peritrich Lagenophrys sp. was recorded.
Lagenophrys is an epizoic protozoan found in association with
crustaceans (predominantly freshwater forms). It has a limited
dispersal phase and a high specificity in respect to its host (Kane,
1965). Until this investigation, Lagenophrys had not been reported
on Palaemonetes kadiakensis. Descriptions of the morphology and
ecology of this new protozoan-host occurrence has been discussed
by Felgenhauer and Ridgeway (1977). Lagenophrys was mainly
observed attaching to the pereiopods and gill lamellae of the prawn
(pi. 3, fig. 1). This peritrich was seen in equal numbers upon ex-
perimental prawns and control prawns, suggesting that grooming is
not effective in the removal of this ciliate. Lagenophrys is dome-like
in side view and attaches directly to the exoskeleton. This smooth,
spherical nature of the lorica would permit the grooming setation to
pass over this peritrich without its removal, whereas the stalked
peritrichs would be caught between the dense setation of the
pereiopods and removed. Another plausible explanation could
involve the mode of attachment seen in Lagenophrys. High den-
sities of these ciliates are seen upon their crustacean hosts just after
molting. The lorica of Lagenophrys causes a conspicuous ridge in
the exoskeleton of the host (pi. 3, fig. 2). This ridge seems to be
caused by the ciliate secreting the "chiton-like" lorica on the soft
exoskeleton immediately after the shrimp molts, and thereby
becoming firmly attached to the exoskeleton. No mechanical
damage to the gill lamellae was observed by the attachment of
Lagenophrys. The chitonous membrane surrounding the crustacean
gill is much thinner than the cuticle so that respiratory exchange
may take place (Burnett and Hessler, 1973). Large numbers of
Lagenophrys covering the gill lamellae, however, would seem to
decrease the functional surface area of the gill and also thicken the

PLATE 3. 1, Lagenophrys sp. on first pereiopod; 2, SEM of attachment scar on
prawn cuticle by Lagenophrys sp.; 3, SEM of bacteria covering exoskeleton; 4, SEM
of Epistyla showing aggregation of bacteria (arrow).

97

98 FIELDIANA: ZOOLOGY, VOLUME 72

gill membrane, decreasing its efficiency. The importance of an
organic substrate for the attachment of Lagenophrys is emphasized
by the fact that while it was observed on prawns, at no time was
Lagenophrys recorded from the glass substrates.

Epistyla sp. and Vorticella sp. were observed through the in-
vestigations. These stalked ciliates displayed a preference for areas
in which the normal fluid-flow of the prawn would pass. Aggrega-
tions of these ciliates were observed along the posterior edges of the
branchiostegites, gill lamellae, abdominal pleura, and pleopods.
Similar orientations of epizoic barnacles has been reported on crabs
(Heath, 1976). Barnacles were found to attach in direct line with the
flow of the respiratory currents across the carapace of the crab.
Selection of epibionts in these areas of the prawn could prove
deleterious by blocking the normal flow of water and nutrients.

Palaemonetes kadiakensis inhabits waters that range between 1
to 6 ft. in depth. Sieburth et al. (1976) found that there is a restric-
tion of epizoic peritrichs to nearshore waters and relatively few are
found in open water. It is possible, then, that since Palaemonetes
kadiakensis inhabits shallow areas where peritrichous ciliates co-
habit, the selective pressures would bring about the elaborate
grooming behavior that is now seen in this prawn.

Many investigations have been conducted on the succession of
organisms upon submerged substrates. O'Neil and Wilcox (1973)
state the sequence of microorganisms appeared to be a very regular
phase of succession, somewhat analagous to succession of land
plants. The different phases observed in the formation of what is
termed "primary film" are bacteria, diatoms, hydroids, algae, and,
finally, higher metazoans. The phases cited refer to the predominant
organisms present and do not imply the absence of other
microorganisms on the surfaces. Similar results were noticed during
this investigation, as very little differentiation was observed be-
tween the control glass plates and the settlings on the prawns.
Various rotifers were recorded from the plates, but rarely were seen
on the prawns. This occurrence is explained by the fact that most
rotifers are extremely motile organisms, moving from one anchor
site to another. Very few rotifers are totally sessile throughout their
entire life cycle as is the case with most peritrichous ciliates. The
constant motion of the prawn would deter the temporary attach-
ment of rotifers while also not providing an appreciable food source.
The rotifer Philodina was, however, observed in the gill chamber of
Palaemonetes kadiakensis, and this occurrence is probably caused

FELGENHAUER & SCHRAM: GROOMING IN PRAWNS 99

by this particular rotifer being swept up by the respiratory current
and becoming trapped within the branchial chamber.

Scanning electron micrographs revealed a heavy covering of
bacteria (pi. 3, fig. 3). It was also noticed that the bacteria seemed to
accumulate in those areas in which the peritrichs settled (pi. 3, fig.
4). Peritrichous ciliates and suctorians are known to utilize bacteria
as a substantial part of their diet (Sieburth et al., 1976). It is then
feasible to postulate that the peritrichs are being attracted to the
crustacean exoskeleton by the bacteria as a food source. The
bacteria also benefit as the number of bacteria in water adjacent to
artificial substances are dramatically lower than the number attach-
ed to the artificial substance (O'Neil and Wilcox, 1973). The crusta-
cean exoskeleton would provide a source of nutrients upon which
the bacteria could feed and reproduce.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We wish to express our thanks to Dr. R. MacLeod, Director of the
Center for Electron Microscopy, University of Illinois, Champaign,
Illinois. Research and publication of this paper was supported by
the Council on Faculty Research, Eastern Illinois University.

REFERENCES

BAUER, R. T.

1975. Grooming behavior and morphology of the caridian shrimp Pandalus danae,
Stimpson (Decapoda: Natantia: Pandalidae). J. Linn. Soc. London, Zool., 56, pp.
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BURNETT, B. R. and R. R. HESSLER

1973. Thoracic epipodites in the Stomatopoda (Crustacea): a phylogenetic consid-
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DOFLEIN, F.

1910. Legensgewohnberten und anpassungen bei dekapoden, Krebsen, pp. 215-
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FELGENHAUER, B. E. and B. T. RIDGEWAY

1977. A note on the occurrence of the peritrich ciliate Lagenophrys sp. on the
freshwater shrimp Palaemonetes kadiakensis in Illinois. Trans. Amer. Microsc.
Soc., 96, pp. 533-535.

FELGENHAUER, B. E. and F. R. SCHRAM

IN PRESS. The grooming behavior and functional morphology of the grooming
appendages of Palaemonetes kadiakensis. Fieldiana: Zoology.

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HEATH, D. J.

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1949. Notes on the species of Palaemonetes (Crustacea, Decapoda) found in the
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KANE, J. R.

1965. The genus Lagenophrys Stein, 1852 (Ciliata, Peritricha) on Australian Para-
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O'NEIL, T. B. and G. L. WILCOX

1973. The formation of the "primary film" on materials submerged in the sea at
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