ABSTRACT: The etiological agent of 'bumper car' disease in lobsters Homarus americanus is described as a new species of ciliate, Anophryoides haemophila (Scuticociliatida: Orchitophryidae). A. haemophila n. sp. is distinguished from other species in the genus by the curved rectangular oral polykinetid 2, a somatic kinety range of 16 to 18, and its relatively small size. The parasite is easy to maintain in vivo and in vitro for extended periods at 2 to 5*C. Apparently the ciliate can be a significant impediment to the economic viability of coldwater lobster impoundments in eastern North America. However, factors inducing epizootics of 'bumper car' disease are unknown.

KEY WORDS: Anophryoides haemophila . American lobster . Homarus americanus . Scuticociliatida

Published in DAO Vol. 24, No. 2 (1996) on February 1
ISSN: 0177-5103. Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 1996