Introduction to the Rhizocephala (Crustacea : Cirripedia)

Knowledge about the Rhizocephala (parasitic barnacles) has increased expone ntially over the past two decades. This introduction broadly reviews this p rogress, touching on rhizocephalan morphology, lifecycles, larval biology, and the effects on the crustacean hosts. Members representing both orders, the Kentrogonida and Akentrogonida, are discussed. The recent discovery reg arding the vermigon stage further highlights the intricacy of the kentrogon id life-cycle. Because rhizocephalans are found in most world regions, occu rring on their respective hosts from the deep ocean to freshwater, their im portance is now being recognized. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.