Notes on Associations between Hyperiid Amphipods and Medusae in Chesapeake and Narragansett Bays and the Niantic River

Abstract

Two living specimens ofHyperia galba were observed to hold on and move in an inverted position while attached to the scyphozoan medusa,Cyanea capillata. The mouthparts face away from the substrate and ifH. galba is parasitic, it probably feeds on the tentacles or oral arms rather than the bell of the jellyfish. During the collection of hydrographic data in Narragansett Bay, members of three hyperiid species were found to occur on the jellyfishes,C. capillata, Aurelia aurita, andTima formosa. While making similar collections in the Niantic River, two amphipod species were observed onC. capillata. Two hyperiids are reported from Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay representing range extensions for both.