Prevalence of the bopyrid isopod Probopyrus pandalicola in the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, in four tidal creeks on the South Carolina-Georgia coast.

The grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, is an important food source for many invertebrate and fish species, including several of commercial importance. The bopyrid Probopyrus pandalicola prevents reproduction in P. pugio by sexual sterilization. The purpose of our research was to determine bopyrid prevalence in grass shrimp over the course of a year. Shrimp were collected from 2 estuarine systems in South Carolina and 2 estuarine systems in Georgia and examined for parasite presence, sex, and gravidity. Site-specific monthly prevalence ranged from 0 to 6.3%. Country Club Creek had the maximum mean +/- SE prevalence of 3.1 +/- 0.3%, and Harbour Town had the minimum of 1.3 +/- 0.3%. Maximum prevalence was concurrent with peak gravidity for Moon River; thus, at this site the negative effect of this parasite on reproductive output may be greater. Reduced egg production may affect grass shrimp abundance and ultimately the recruitment success of its predators.