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Patricia S. Sadeghian, M.A.
Associate Curator
Mailing address:
Department of Invertebrate Zoology
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta del Sol
Santa Barbara, CA 93105 USA
Phone: 805-682-4711 x147
FAX: 805-563-0574
email: psadeghian(AT)sbnature2.org
Patricia Sadeghian has worked in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology since 1997. Her research focuses on taxonomy, prevalence, and natural history of nemertean worms (Hoplonemertea: Carcinonemertidae) that are ecto-symbiotic egg predators on decapod crustaceans.
Species of Carcinonemertes are specialized worms that feed, grow, and reproduce within the egg masses of crabs and lobsters. These worms can have significant impact, both ecologically and economically, on host populations. When large numbers of worms are present in egg masses, substantial egg mortality can occur. Red king crab fisheries were dramatically affected by these worms in the 1980's when extensive populations of crabs were wiped out in Alaska.
To date, 13 species of Carcinonemertes have been described in association with 61 species of marine decapods representing 19 families worldwide. New observations on crustacean hosts suggest that considerable taxonomic diversity exists among these worms. Patricia is currently collaborating with Dr. Cynthia Santos to describe a new species of Carcinonemertes that has been found to infest the egg masses of Randallia ornata (Decapoda: Leucosiidae), a common crab found from northern California to Baja California, Mexico.
Museum specimens have provided information on worm diversity, distribution, and effects on crustacean host populations. Molecular analyses also are being used on collection specimens to help clarify taxonomic placement of these worms.
Selected publications:
Kuris, A. M., P. S. Sadeghian & J.T. Carlton. 2007. Decapoda. Pp. 632-656. In: J.T. Carlton (Editor), The Light and Smith Manual: Invertebrates of the Central California Coast. Fourth Edition. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Jensen, K. & P.S. Sadeghian. 2005. Nemerteans. Pp. 205-210. In: K. Rohde (Editor) Marine Parasitology. Australia: CSIRO Publishing.
Sadeghian, P.S. & A.M. Kuris. 2001. Distribution and abundance of a nemertean egg predator (Carcinonemertes sp.) on a leucosiid crab, Randallia ornata. Hydrobiologia 456: 59-63.
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