Family CROSSOTONOTIDAE Moosa & Serène, 1981

Crossotonotus spinipes [from Ward 1933: pl. 21 fig. 7]

Museums

Regional Maps

• Crossotonotinae Moosa & Serène, 1981.

Introduction

The subfamily Crossotonotinae was established by Moosa & Serène (1981) to include those atypical palicids that have the fifth pair of pereiopods (P5) similar in morphology to the anterior walking legs (P2–4) and not markedly reduced in size. The six species currently recognised are all restricted to the Indo-west Pacific region. All appear to prefer hard substrates, being found under rocks and amongst coral, in relatively shallow water. They are referred to two genera, Crossotonotus A. Milne Edwards, 1873 and Pleurophricus A. Milne Edwards, 1873. A key to separate these two genera was provided by Castro (2000: 571).

Diagnosis

Fifth pair of pereiopods (P5) reduced in size, but similar in shape to anterior walking legs (P2–4); articulation to carapace at same level as walking legs. All borders of carapace with teeth or rounded to pointed tubercles. Dorsal surface of carapace relatively flat or slightly convex except regions with high bosses or tubercles. No episternal process overhanging each posterolateral border of carapace posterior to fifth pair of pereiopods. Epistome very narrow, not expanded dorsoventrally (vertically inclined). Abdomen of mature males and females with all segments free, segments 1–2 wide (not dorsoventrally compressed); transverse ridges complete, incomplete, or absent. (After Castro 2000).

General References

Castro, P. 2000. Crustacea Decapoda: A revision of the Indo-west Pacific species of palicid crabs (Brachyura Palicidae Bouvier, 1898). pp. 437-610, figs 1-61 in Crosnier, A. (ed.). Résultats des campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 21. Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris [1936-1950] 184: 1-813

Milne Edwards, A. 1873. Description de quelques Crustacés nouveaux ou peu connus provenant du Musée de M.C. Godeffroy. Journal des Museum Godeffroy, Hamburg 1(4): 77-88 pls 12, 13

Moosa, M.K. & Serène, R. 1981. Observations on the Indo-West-Pacific Palicidae (Crustacea, Decapoda) with descriptions of two new subfamilies, four new genera and six new species. Marine Research in Indonesia 22: 21-66 figs 1-14 pls 1-3

History of changes