A new genus and species of hermit crab (Decapoda: Anomura: Paguridae) from seamounts off south-eastern Tasmania, Australia
McLaughlin, P.A. (2003). A new genus and species of hermit crab (Decapoda: Anomura: Paguridae) from seamounts off south-eastern Tasmania, Australia. Mem. Mus. Vic. 60(2): 229-236
In: Memoirs of the Museum of Victoria. Museum of Victoria: Melbourne. ISSN 0814-1827, more
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| Abstract |
A new and highly variable species, representing a new genus of hermit crabs, is described and illustrated. In additionto 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 itsspecialised habitat among colonies of the stony coral Solenosmilia variabilis Duncan. The similarities seen among thegenera Bythiopagurus, gen. nov., Michelopagurus McLaughlin and Icelopagurus McLaughlin appear the be superficialand convergent; Bythiopagurus appears phylogenetically related to the Pylopaguropsis group of genera characterised by13 pairs of bi- or quadriserial gills. |
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