Presence and histopathology of the parasitic isopod, Pseudione affinis (Epicaridea, Bopyridae) on pandalid shrimps from the Central Mediterranean Sea

Several species of pandalid shrimps from the commercial landing site of Milazzo (Messina, Italy) were examined for the occurrence of isopods. Pseudione affinis was found in the gill chamber of Plesionika antigai, P. edwardsii, and P. martia. Pseudione affinis parasitized 3.43% of P. martia, 1.12% of P. antigai, and 0.37% of P. edwardsii. Parasitic effects on the hosts included carapace dilation and gill atrophy. This is the first report for P. edwardsii as a host for Pseudione affinis.