First Report of Symbiotic Polynoid Scaleworm (Paradyte crinoidicola Potts, 1910) from the Indian Subcontinent

Polychaetes symbiotic with echinoderms (sea stars, brittle stars, feather stars, basket stars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins) possess remarkable diversification in the Indo-Pacific. In the present study, one species of polychaetes symbiotic with crinoids are recorded based on collections from selected Islands Kadmat, Amini, Suheli, Kavaratti, and Agatti of Lakshadweep Archipelago. Paradyte crinoidicola were recorded for the first time from the Indian subcontinent. The present study reports the occurrence of a symbiotic scaleworm, P. crinoidicola , from Lakshadweep. This is the first record of the species from the Indian subcontinent we recommend further exploration of the sub-shallow coral reef areas of Lakshadweep.