STENOPODIDEAN SHRIMP (DECAPODA: STENOPODIDAE) ASSOCIATED WITH HEXACTINELLID SPONGES FROM TARTAR BANK, BAHAMAS

A new species of a bathyal stenopodid shrimp, Spongiocaris hexactinellicola, found off the Bahamas, associated with a hexactinellid sponge, Euplectella jovis, is described. The host and shrimp were collected by means of the Johnson Sea Link II submersible at a depth of 610 m. A comparison between the 3 species in the genus is provided and their distribution is discussed. A key for determination of the species of Spongiocaris is given.