The first record of external abnormalities in the subterranean Aegla marginata Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Aeglidae), from a karst area of Southeastern Brazil
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Abstract
The occurrence of a morphologically altered individual identifi ed as Aegla marginata
is reported in this note. The specimen was found in the subterranean environment,
as part of wider bioespeleological study. The observed abnormalities consist mainly
of deformities in abdominal epimera, pleopods, telson and uropods, which could results
in diffi culties for reproduction and escape from predators. Genetic or nutritional
factors related to the scarce food supply observed in the cave environment are admitted
as being the most probable cause of the deformities reported here. We emphasize the
need of new studies in the area as well as efforts to preserve subterranean environment.