Description of Anophryoides haemophila n sp (Scuticociliatida: Orchitophryidae), a pathogen of American lobsters Homarus americanus

The etiological agent of 'bumper car' disease in lobsters Homarus americanus is described as a new species of ciliate, Anophryoides haemophila (Scuticociliatida: Orchitophryidae). A. haemophila n. sp. is distinguished from other species in the genus by the curved rectangular oral polykinetid 2, a somatic kinety range of 16 to 18, and its relatively small size. The parasite is easy to maintain in vivo and in vitro for extended periods at 2 to 5 degrees C. Apparently the ciliate can be a significant impediment to the economic viability of coldwater lobster impoundments in eastern North America. However, factors inducing epizootics of 'bumper car' disease are unknown.