A new genus and species of hermit crab (Decapoda: Anomura: Paguridae) from seamounts off south-eastern Tasmania, Australia
Memoirs of Museum Victoria Vol 60 (2) p. 229–236 (2003)
Abstract
A new and highly variable species, representing a new genus of hermit crabs, is described and illustrated. In addition to the morphological changes in shape and armature of the chelipeds associated with growth in Bythiopagurus macrocolus, gen. nov., sp. nov., this species exhibits a singular development of the left chela that may be an adaptation to its specialised habitat among colonies of the stony coral Solenosmilia variabilis Duncan. The similarities seen among the genera Bythiopagurus, gen. nov., Michelopagurus McLaughlin and Icelopagurus McLaughlin appear the be superficial and convergent; Bythiopagurus appears phylogenetically related to the Pylopaguropsis group of genera characterised by 13 pairs of bi– or quadriserial gills.
Citation
McLaughlin, P.A., 2003. A new genus and species of hermit crab (Decapoda: Anomura: Paguridae) from seamounts off south-eastern Tasmania, Australia. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 60: 229-236. http://doi.org/10.24199/j.mmv.2003.60.23
PUBLICATION DATE: 30 NOVEMBER 2003