Associations in the midwater zone: The penaeid shrimp Funchalia sagamiensis FUJINO 1975 and pelagic tunicates (Order : Pyrosomatida)

An association between the penaeid shrimp Funchalia sagamiensis FUJINO 1975 and pelagic tunicates of the Order Pyrosomatida was confirmed through in s itu submersible and shipboard observations. Information on this association . including behavioural, morphological and distributional data is presented . The association is "strong", possibly obligate for the shrimp during this life-history phase, and does not appear to be species-specific. Further in formation is presented on the taxonomic standing within the genus Funchalia of the enigmatic species F. sagamiensis. The utility of submersibles for i n situ behavioural research is discussed.