Micippion asymmetricus: An entoniscid parasite of the coral crab,charybdis feriatus (Linnaeus,1758)

Parasite of charybdis feriatus has been identified as micippion asymmetricus shiino (1942) on the basis of epicraidean larvae's 6th pareopod size and shape. parasitic castrator retards the development of the gonads or destroys sex cells resultant complete atrophy in charybdis feriatus. infestation (5%) appears as biological limiting factor which causes fluctuation in charybdis feriatus abundance. infestation in c. feriatus observed throughout the year except august and december. maximum number of infestation recorded in january with 10 individuals and minimum in february and it effect on their growth,gonad development as well as on population. among deep sea crabs c. feriatus stand first in high fecundity but their population ranked after p. pelagicus and p. sanguinolentus in karachi waters. charybdis feriatus is widely distributed throughout the indo-pacific region and is fished for human consumption. the crab has very good market potential but more knowledge is required of its basic biology and ecology. © copyright 2016 zoological society of pakistan.