New insights into the distribution and biology of some cumaceans (Crustacea, Peracarida) from the Canary Islands

Abstract

New data on the distribution and biology of some cumacean species from the Canary Islands are reported. Campylaspis glabra, Nannastacus cf. ungiculatus and Diastylis rugosa are first recorded from these islands. The distribution of the endemic species Speleocuma guanche, up to now only known from the south coast of Tenerife, is extended to the west and north coast of this island as well as it is first recorded from Gran Canaria and Lanzarote coasts. Fecundity of this species was estimated from the collected specimens, resulting in a mean of 11.9 ± 2.9 embryos per brood. These values are between the lowest observed in cumaceans, suggesting cave habitat influences that would support lower environmental variability as well as lower predation pressure.