Description
General:
Highly modified gastropod parasitic on Rathbunaster californicus. Head and proboscis form balloon-like pseudopallium that surrounds the visceral mass. Forms cyst (globular to bean-like in shape) within host. Stalk short, with anterior part of foot protruding.
Size:
To 13 mm diameter.
Reproduction:
Males considerably smaller than females. Females produce egg mass inside sea star host.
Geographic Information
Habitat description:
Parasitic on sea stars.
Published depth range:
250 - 650 m
Additional Information
Diet:
Parasitic on sea stars' tissue and bodily fluids.
References
Encyclopedia of LifeTree of Life
World Register of Marine Species
National Center for Biotechnology Information
Randall, J. and H. Heath (1912). Asterophila, a new genus of parasitic gastropods. Biological Bulletin, 22: 98-106. https://doi.org/10.2307/1536172
Warén A. and L.M. Lewis (1994) Two new species of eulimid gastropods endoparasitic in asteroids. The Veliger, 37(4): 325-335.
Citation:
Asterophila rathbunasteri
(Warén and Lewis, 1994) Deep-Sea Guide (DSG) at http://dsg/mbari.org/dsg/view/concept/Asterophila%20rathbunasteri. Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). Consulted on 2024-04-26.