Gorgonophilus canadensis

The parasite Gorgonophilus canadensis is a highly modified copepod that lives inside the bubblegum coral (Paragorgia arborea), a cold-water coral. It induces the coral to produce galls (deformities) like the ones created by the gall wasp on rose bushes, in which it lives.

The galls can contain females, males, egg sacs and larvae. On the top of the galls there are small structures that resemble horns or chimney stacks, which have a narrow channel. The function of the channels is unclear.

Gorgonophilus canadensis (females).

There are lots of unanswered questions about the ecology of the species, which appears to feed on the coral. Since the infected bubblegum coral colonies appear to be perfectly healthy without showing any sign of disease, it is probable that the parasite…

Facts about Gorgonophilus canadensis

Latin name: Gorgonophilus canadensis
Known distribution: The North Atlantic, in areas where bubblegum coral (Paragorgia arborea) is found.
Biology: Lives in galls (deformities) formed by the bubblegum coral when it is infected. Males, females, larvae and egg sacs can be found in the same galls. The galls are small deformities on the coral, with a “chimney stack” leading out of the gall, the purpose of which is not yet known.
Size: females: 6 mm; males: 3 mm.
Diet: probably feeds on the coral in which it lives. The coral does not appear to suffer any harm, other than the deformities.
Dispersal: Probably the larvae leave through an opening in the gall and disperse with the currents.