First Record of Amphitrite cirrata (Polychaeta: Terebellidae) in Association with the Barents Sea Red King Crab Paralithodes camtschaticus (Malacostraca: Lithodidae)

The introduced red king crab <i>Paralithodes camtschaticus</i> holds significant commercial value in the Barents Sea. This species is recognized as a host for a wide variety of symbiotic organisms, including polychaetes. In July 2015 and 2025, a total of 12 specimens of the marine terebellid polychaete <i>Amphitrite cirrata</i> were discovered inhabiting the gills of two red king crabs in Dalnezelenetskaya Bay, Barents Sea. This study represents the first documented occurrence of an association between these benthic species. Colonization of the red king crab by <i>Amphitrite cirrata</i> offers several advantages to the polychaetes by providing access to suitable feeding conditions, increased mobility, and protection from potential predators. However, this association poses disadvantages to the host crabs, as it results in tissue damage and an elevated concentration of sand particles within their gills.