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The Mediterranean area, from southern Balkans to western Maghreb, is inhabited by the Potamon subgenus Euthelphusa, with three currently recognised species. The Maghrebian species P. (E.) algeriense is isolated from other Potamon species by the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert, and nearly no molecular data are currently available for this taxon. Present study investigated the mtDNA and nuDNA diversity in Potamon algeriense s.l. with the aims of exploring its molecular diversity pattern throughout its known distribution range, and testing the possible presence of cryptic taxa currently lumped under this binomen. The phylogenetic and DNA taxonomy analyses showed the presence of two well‐supported clades of species rank within P. algeriense s.l, with an eastern clade including the populations from Tunisia and Numidia, and a western, highly structured clade including the populations from central Algeria and Morocco. In agreement with a typical Maghrebian biogeographic pattern, the distribution of these two species shows a clear east–west divide, with a disjunction zone located in Kabylia, and a strong link between molecular diversity and segregation within different hydrographical basins is evident. The Maghreb thus proved to host an unexpectedly high genetic diversity of, and to constitute a biodiversity hot‐spot for, the Potamon subgenus Euthelphusa. In the light of the existence of two well‐characterised species currently lumped under P. algeriense s.l., and of their noteworthy molecular structuring, the status of Maghrebian Potamon populations should be re‐assessed for both the species present in the area, which are to be considered as independent management units.

Ranging from the Jurassic to the Pleistocene, the fossil record of decapod crustaceans in the British Isles is extensive, comprised of 159 species (including those in open nomenclature) assigned to 101 genera. Preservation is variable, but most taxa are based upon carapace material; the study of disarticulated limb elements has added surprisingly little to the known diversity. No new taxa are erected herein, but some species have been reassigned to more appropriate genera and/or families. The stratigraphic distribution of these crustaceans is such that most, if not all, species are known from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic successions of southern and eastern England. Some areas and horizons are particularly rich in decapod species, including the Aptian Atherfield Clay Formation, Isle of Wight; the Albian Gault Clay Formation; the Cenomanian Beer Head Limestone Formation, Wilmington Sands Member; the Lower Eocene London Clay Formation; the Paleogene of the Isle of Wight; and the various crag formations of East Anglia.

Background: Paragonimus spp. are trematode parasites that infect human populations worldwide. It is believed that infection rates within Asia reach five to ten percent of the total population. Three of the largest areas of possible infection are Asia, Central and South America as well as Africa, where the total population at risk is estimated to be 293 million people. Humans are infected via ingestion of raw or undercooked decapod crustaceans. Objective: To identify the presence of Paragonimus spp. in crabs from Bogota, Colombia. Methods: The native crab Neostrengeria macropa and the aquatic invasive crayfish Procambarus clarkii in Bogota, Colombia, were collected from local markets, pet stores and waterways and dissected to assess the presence of Paragonimus spp. Results: The native crab species, N. macropa (n=29) had an infection prevalence of 17.2%, while the invasive crayfish species, P. clarkii (n=22), had a prevalence of 36.4% combined from both field captured animals and purchased samples. Conclusion: Although the estimated prevalence is lower compared to previous studies in other cities of Colombia, Paragonimus represent a risk to human health. Several environmental factors may contribute to the difference in prevalence including collecting season, rainfall, temperature, altitude and the El Nino Southern Oscillation. Keywords: crabs, invasive species, Neostrengeria macropa , Procambarus clarkii , trematode. Resumen Antecedentes: Los Paragonimus spp. constituyen un grupo de parasitos trematodos que infectan a humanos en todo el mundo. Se considera que entre 5 y 10% de la poblacion humana de Asia esta infectada. Las areas con mayor posibilidad de infeccion son Asia, Centro y Sur America, asi como Africa. Se estima que 293 millones de personas estan en riesgo de infeccion. Los humanos se pueden infectar al consumir crustaceos decapodos crudos. Objetivo: Identificar la presencia de Paragonimus spp. en crustaceos en Bogota, Colombia. Metodos: Una muestra de cangrejos nativos Neostrengeria macropa y de decapodos invasores Procambarus clarkii fue colectada tanto en mercados locales de Bogota, como en tiendas de mascotas, rios, y quebradas. Posteriromente fueron diseccionados para detectar la presencia de Paragonimus spp. Resultados: La prevalencia de la infeccion en N. macropa (n=29) fue de 17,2%, y en la especie invasora, P. clarkii (n=22), fue de 36,4% (porcentaje combinado de los animales colectados en el campo y los comprados en tiendas). Conclusion: Aunque la prevalencia en este estudio fue mas baja que la de otras investigaciones relacionadas, se considera que existe riesgo para la salud humana. Es probable que algunos factores medio ambientales hayan contribuido a la diferencia, incluyendo: temporada de colecta, nivel de lluvias, temperatura, altura, y el fenomeno El Nino. Palabras claves : cangrejos, especie invasora, Neostrengeria macropa , Procambarus clarkii , trematodo. Resumo Antecedentes: Paragonimus spp. sao trematodeos parasitas que infectam populacoes humanas ao redor do mundo. Acredita-se que as taxas de infeccao na Asia atingem de 5 a 10% da populacao. As tres maiores areas de infeccao se localizam na Asia, Americas do Sul e Central e Africa, onde a populacao total em risco e estimada em 293 milhoes de pessoas. Os humanos sao infectados pela ingestao de crustaceos decapodes crus ou mal cozidos. Objetivo: Identificar a presenca de Paragonimus spp. em Bogota, Colombia. Metodos: Individuos de caranguejo nativo Neostrengeria macropa e lagostim aquatico invasivo Procambarus clarkii foram coletados em mercados locais, lojas de animais de estimacao e cursos de agua em Bogota (Colombia) e posteriormente dissecados para verificacao da presenca de Paragonimus spp. Resultados: A especie de caranguejo nativa N. macropa (n=29) apresentou prevalencia de infeccao de 17,2%, enquanto a especie de lagostim invasivo, P. clarkii (n=22), apresentou prevalencia de 36,4%, quando combinados os animais capturados em campo e os animais comprados. Conclusao: Embora a prevalencia estimada neste estudo foi menor do que a de pesquisas anteriores realizadas em outras cidades da Colombia, existe um risco para a saude humana. Ha inumeros fatores ambientais que podem contribuir para a diferenca de prevalencia, dentre eles: a estacao em que a coleta foi realizada, pouca precipitacao, temperatura, altitude e a Oscilacao Sul-El Nino. Palabras-chave: caranguejos, especies invasivas, Neostrengeria macropa , Procambarus clarkii , trematodeos.

The Alpheus brevicristatus De Haan, 1844 is one of the commonest shrimp species inhabiting the tidal flats in Japan. This species is sometimes accompanied by the facultative symbiotic goby, Acentrogobius spp. Here, we investigated the burrow morphology of A. brevicristatus in a tidal flat of Uranouchi Inlet, Kochi Prefecture, Japan. We also reviewed existing literature on alpheid burrow morphology using the resin casting technique, to determine how burrows vary in the presence and absence of gobies. Nine burrows were casted in situ using polyester resin. All burrows were long, but shallow in structure, with several funnel-shaped openings and short cul-de-sac branches. This species appears to use several burrow openings to access the sediment surface for feeding with high efficiency. Gobies were not associated with all burrows cast; however, 1-3 individuals of the small alpheid shrimp Athanas japonicus Kubo, 1936 were entombed in seven of the casts. A review of 12 studies on the burrow morphology of 16 Alpheus species based on resin casting techniques showed wide variation in burrow characteristics, such as burrow depth, length, and number of openings. Our findings suggest that burrow structure is influenced by species-specific characteristics and sediment type. The possibility that the presence of the symbiotic goby affects the burrow morphology of Alpheus shrimp is discussed.

Tail fan necrosis (TFN), a disorder commonly found in some populations of commercially fished and cultured lobsters, is thought to be initiated by injuries caused by handling and containment. The unsightly appearance of affected lobster tails significantly lowers their commercial value. Knowledge about TFN is limited. In this study we describe the morphological features of TFN and apply 6 common methods for evaluating the immune status of wild-caught Australasian red spiny lobsters Jasus edwardsii with and without TFN. The disease was more frequent in uropods than in telsons of the tail fan, and more extensive on the ventral versus the dorsal surfaces of the tail fan. Missing appendages (i.e. antenna, pereiopod or pleopod) were significantly more common and greater in number for individual lobsters affected with TFN versus those without, possibly as a result of handling in the fishery or as an indirect effect of the disease. Two immune parameters, total haemocyte count and phenoloxidase activity in the haemocyte lysate supernatant (HLS), were significantly compromised in lobsters with TFN. No differences were found in the other immune parameters, i.e. haemocyte viability, haemolymph bacterial count and the protein content of haemolymph plasma and HLS. The results are consistent with injury sustained during prior capture and handling that initiates TFN in these natural caught lobsters. These results raise some potential concerns about the fitness of lobsters in natural populations that are affected by TFN, and some potential solutions are proposed.

International audience; The detection of chemical signals is involved in a variety of crustacean behaviors, such as social interactions, search and evaluation of food and navigation in the environment. At hydrothermal vents, endemic shrimp may use the chemical signature of vent fluids to locate active edifices, however little is known on their sensory perception in these remote deep-sea habitats. Here, we present the first comparative description of the sensilla on the antennules and antennae of 4 hydrothermal vent shrimp (Rimicaris exoculata, Mirocaris fortunata, Chorocaris chacei, and Alvinocaris markensis) and of a closely related coastal shrimp (Palaemon elegans). These observations revealed no specific adaptation regarding the size or number of aesthetascs (specialized unimodal olfactory sensilla) between hydrothermal and coastal species. We also identified partial sequences of the ionotropic receptor IR25a, a co-receptor putatively involved in olfaction, in 3 coastal and 4 hydrothermal shrimp species, and showed that it is mainly expressed in the lateral flagella of the antennules that bear the unimodal chemosensilla aesthetascs.

Acantharctus posteli (Crustacea, Decapoda, Achelata, Scyllarinae) belongs to the old relic circumtropical genus of mainly upper shelf rock lobsters. It is an endemic species of the West African tropical zoogeographic region with its distribution between the cape of Cap Blanc (21°40′ N) to the north and the mouth of the Congo River to the south (approximately 4° S). The length of the studied rock lobsters ranges from 10 to 80 mm. Males are slightly smaller than females. The smallest size of ovigerous females was 29 mm. The life cycle of A. posteli appears to be about 2 years. The stomach contents of 43 specimens ranging in size from 42 to 68 mm from the waters of the Republic of Sierra Leone were analyzed. Rock lobsters consume mainly detritus that includes benthic foraminifera. In addition, fish, echinoderms, mollusks, and decapods are secondary prey items. The mean Froerman coefficient of 3.96 allows suggesting that A. posteli can be characterized as a predator-collector, which is similar to rock lobsters of the genera Jasus and Projasus.

Many crustacean species progress through a series of metamorphoses during the developmental transition from embryo to adult. The molecular genetic basis of this transition, however, is not well characterized for a large number of crustaceans. Here, we employ multiple RNA-Seq methodologies to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between “early” (i.e., Z1 – Z2) as well as “late” (i.e., Z3 – Z4) larval and adult developmental stages of Halocaridina rubra Holthuis (1963), an atyid shrimp endemic to the environmentally variable anchialine ecosystem of the Hawaiian Islands. Given the differences in salinity tolerance (narrow vs. wide range), energy acquisition (maternal yolk-bearing vs. microphagous grazing), and behavior (positively phototactic vs. not) between larvae and adults, respectively, of this species, we hypothesized the recovery of numerous DEGs belonging to functional categories relating to these characteristics. Consistent with this and regardless of methodology, hundreds of DEGs were identified, including upregulation of opsins and other light/stimulus detection genes and downregulation of genes related to ion transport, digestion, and reproduction in larvae relative to adults. Furthermore, isoform-switching, which has been largely unexplored in crustacean development, appears to be pervasive between H. rubra larvae and adults, especially among structural and oxygen-transport genes. Finally, by comparing RNA-Seq methodologies, we provide recommendations for future crustacean transcriptomic studies, including a demonstration of the pitfalls associated with identifying DEGs from single replicate samples as well as the utility of leveraging “prepackaged” bioinformatics pipelines.

Frog crabs (Family Raninidae) are cryptic, burying marine brachyuran crabs adapted for inhabiting soft and sandy bottoms across a wide bathymetric range of tropical to low-latitude temperate regions. The present account encompasses re-description ofLysirude channerifrom a depth range of 614–655 m in Bay of Bengal, India. Morphological examination of 76 specimens agreed with earlier type descriptions in having two antero-lateral spines, but this contradicts with the specimens from the South China Sea and off the Philippines. In addition, some specimens from the present study revealed the presence of two carpal spines instead of one described before. However, the genetic congruency of the collected specimens were inferred by developing molecular marker viz. mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene sequences, representing the first molecular data forLysirude channeri. Phylogram and genetic distance data (up to 0.60%) justified the genetic congruency ofLysirude channerias well as the interspecific divergence (up to 15.2%) betweenLysirude channeriandLyreidus brevifrons. Hence, the present study provides complete morphological and molecular data for re-describing the frog crabLysirude channeriand also delineates its speciation from other related brachyuran crabs.

We re-investigated the fossil species tenera Oppel, 1862, an achelatan lobster (traditionally named Palinurina tenera) found in 150 million years old limestones of southern Germany. All known specimens attributed to this species show a mixture of characters, which in modern forms occur either in larvae or post-larval juveniles. Hence these specimens provide insight into a phase in ontogeny that is no longer present in the developmental sequence of any modern achelatan lobster, as the latter ones skip this phase and replace it by a drastic metamorphosis. Comparable cases have been described earlier, yet did only comprise single stages or two successive ones at most. In the here described case four developmental stages are preserved. The reconstructed ontogeny of tenera therefore represents the currently best known sequence of an early achelatan lobster that covers this specific intermediate phase. The largest known stage most likely still represents an immature of a yet undiscovered adult. These findings support the interpretation that early achelatan lobsters developed in a more gradual ontogenetic sequence than modern forms. It furthermore demonstrates that it was even more gradual than anticipated previously.

The eight zoeal stages of the Mediterranean shrimp Periclimenes aegylios are described and illustrated in detail, using laboratory-reared specimens. This study improved the partial and unpublished descriptions of the zoeae of this species. The complete and accurate definition of the morphology of all the stages now allows comparison of the zoeae of P. aegylios with those of other Mediterranean Periclimenes species, as well as the allopatric Atlantic P. sagittifer, from which P. aegylios was separated in 1996.

A new, over 10 cm long, sub-Antarctic shrimp, Fresnerhynchus crozeti n. gen., n. sp. is described based on a unique specimen collected with long lines at 1889 m on the slope of a seamount northwest of the Crozet Islands. It is included in the previously monotypic family Lipkiidae Burukovsky, 2012 based on morphological and molecular data. However, the posterior pereiopods of Fresnerhynchus are reminiscent to those of the Rhynchocinetidae, especially by the short spinose dactyli, and by the absence of a sternal plate. The elusive nature of F. crozeti, which is a large and highly characteristic shrimp, is attributed to its putative habitat (hard bottom, steep deep sea slopes), which is difficult to sample with conventional gear, and the remote geographical location. A brief discussion on the biogeography of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic decapods is provided. A review of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic dendrobranchiate and caridean shrimps is appended.

A new species of the portunid genus, Monomia Gistel, 1848, is described from the South China Sea in Vietnam. Monomia lucida sp. nov. is morphologically most similar to M. argentata (A. Milne-Edwards, 1861), which was originally described from Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. In addition to the stout, forward-directed anterolateral teeth of the carapace, the subrectangular sixth segment of the male pleon, and the long and slender laterally bent first gonopods, adults of the new species reach a greater size, and can also be distinguished from M. argentata by the colour pattern on the natatory dactylus. The independent specific status of M. lucida sp. nov. is also supported by molecular evidence. Aside from a comparison of this new species with other known congeners, new photographs of the holotype of M. samoensis (Ward, 1939) are also provided.

A new species of Pseudione Kossmann, 1881, is described from 21 parasitized individuals of the squat lobster Munida microphthalma A. Milne-Edwards, 1880, collected in Brazilian waters of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The new species belongs to the Pseudione “crénéles” group sensu Bourdon (1976). The number of specimens obtained as well as the life history stage diversity of the type series, consisting of mature females, mature males, subadult males and cryptoniscus larvae, are unusually large for bopyrid isopod type series.

Blue Stripped hermit crab, Clibanarius longitarsus (De Haan, 1849) was collected from Kalagachhia, Satkhira Forest Range of Sundarban Mangrove Forest on 18 April 2015 during an exploration of the IUCN Crustacean Exploration Team. This crustacen decapod was recorded for the first time from Bangladesh geographical area.Bangladesh J. Zool. 43(1): 131-135, 2015

A new species of Lepidophthalmus lacking a ventral median sclerite on the second abdominal somite is described from coastal waters of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Lepidophthalmus statoni sp. nov., originally recognized only as a unique population in allozyme studies, is sympatric with the ventrally plated species Lepidophthalmus manningi Felder & Staton, 2000, but more closely resembles Lepidophthalmus louisianensis (Schmitt, 1935) from the northern and northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Apparently restricted to intertidal and shallow subtidal tropical waters, the new species is known to range from western Campeche to middle-upper reaches of Veracruz, Mexico. As many members of the genus, it commonly inhabits euryhaline inlets, estuaries, and protected shorelines, including richly organic muddy to clayey sands and sandy muds adjacent to shoreline vegetation. Coloration is documented and discussed as a tool to facilitate field identifications, as are morphological characters.

Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, was recovered from the cooking water of shrimp processing facilities. The oil contains significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in triglyceride form, along with substantial long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). It also features natural isomeric forms of astaxanthin, a nutritional carotenoid, which gives the oil a brilliant red color. As part of our efforts in developing value added products from waste streams of the seafood processing industry, we present in this paper a comprehensive characterization of the triacylglycerols (TAGs) and astaxanthin esters that predominate in the shrimp oil by using HPLC-HRMS and MS/MS, as well as 13C-NMR. This approach, in combination with FAME analysis, offers direct characterization of fatty acid molecules in their intact forms, including the distribution of regioisomers in TAGs. The information is important for the standardization and quality control, as well as for differentiation of composition features of shrimp oil, which could be sold as an ingredient in health supplements and functional foods.

A new species of the upogebiid shrimp genus Gebiacantha Ngoc-Ho, 1989, G. sagamiensis, is described and illustrated on the basis of a single male specimen collected from Sagami Bay, central Japan, at depths of 101–106 m. It appears closest to G. reunionensis Ngoc-Ho, 1989, known only from La Réunion, western Indian Ocean, but the different shape of the pleomere 6 and the better developed armature of the pereopod 1 carpus distinguish the new species from G. reunionensis. Comments on the taxonomic status of Gebiacantha and Paragebicula Sakai, 2006, and on the generic assignment of the new species, are given.

The availability of abundant fresh material of Aristeus alcocki Ramadan, 1938 from India allowed the evaluation of the variation in the numbers of photophores on the pereiopods in this species, as well as other diagnostic characters for species discrimination. Although the pereiopodal photophore counts in A. alcocki largely overlap with those of A. semidentatus Bate, 1888, it is found that A. alcocki is unique in the Indo-West Pacific species of the genus by the lower end of the cervical carina considerably farther away from the branchiostegal carina. Molecular genetic analysis confirmed the distinct taxonomic status of the six currently known species in this genus from the Indo-West Pacific and a revised key is provided for distinguishing them.

The Columbus crab Planes minutus and Arch-fronted swimming crab Liocarcinus navigator, within their distribution ranges in the Mediterranean, were found rafted on plastic macro-litter floating on the open south Adriatic. While P. minutus was recorded from inanimate flotsam outside of the Mediterranean, L. navigator is herein reported for the first time on floating marine litter. The role of floating litter as habitat or as a dispersal agent for marine invertebrates has received quite attention however, records of decapod crabs drifting on litter has been relatively sparse. Our results suggests that vast quantities of floating debris, comprised primarily of non-biodegradable plastic polymers, probably will augment natural floating substrates in the marine environment, potentially facilitating the spread of invasive species. The dispersion of rafting crabs through floating debris should be investigated given the high potential ecological risk of invasion by exotic species due to the increase in waste production (ecological risk assessment).

The pandalid genus Plesionika Bate, 1888 includes 93 species and has a widespread distribution including mainly subtropical and tropical waters and some temperate waters, but most species can be found in the Indo-West Pacific. The species of this genus are benthic or nektobenthic, feeding on pelagic and benthic resources. Up to the present, the occurrence of 45 species of the genus has been reported from Asian waters. However, studies on these species from this region are mainly concerning their taxonomic report and very less their biology. Herein a key for the 45 Asian Plesionika species, and brief notes on its taxonomy are provided.

Male True Crabs use two pairs of gonopods to deliver mating products during copulation. Commonly, the second pair is shorter than the first pair, and most research to date has focused on species with short second gonopods. We investigated male and female copulatory organs in Calappula saussurei and Calappa pelii, two species of box crabs (Calappidae) with second gonopods which are longer than the first pair. Scanning electron microscopy and histological cross sectioning show that the female copulatory system is unique in several aspects: the genital duct is part concave and part simple type. The seminal receptacle is divided into two chambers, a ventral chamber of ectodermal and mesodermal origin, and a dorsal chamber of ectodermal origin. This dorsal chamber is the location of spermatophore reception during copulation. A sperm plug closes the dorsal chamber off. We propose that long second gonopods deliver male mating products directly into the dorsal chamber. To date, spermatophore reception has been associated with the mesodermal tissue of the seminal receptacle. The copulatory system of box crabs with long second gonopods shows novel deviations from this general pattern.

During the last decades, knowledge on biodiversity of freshwater decapods has increased considerably; however, information about ecology of these crustaceans is scarce. Currently, the freshwater decapod fauna of Costa Rica is comprised by representatives of three families (Caridea: Palaemonidae and Atyidae; Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae). The present study aims to describe the species diversity and distribution of freshwater crabs inhabiting the basin of the Rio Grande de Térraba, Pacific slope of Costa Rica, where the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) plans to implement one of the largest damming projects in the region. Samples were collected in 39 locations at an altitude ranging from 20 to 1,225 m. Sampling was carried out during several months in 2007, 2009 and 2010. We collected a total of 661 crabs, comprising eight species of Pseudothelphusidae of three genera, representing 53% of the 15 pseudothelphusid crab species currently recorded from Costa Rica. The most common species was Ptychophallus paraxanthusi followed by P. tristani. Freshwater crabs were more frequently encountered in the middle-low region of the basin (between 311 and 600 m) and less frequently in the medium-high basin (between 601 and 1,225 m). Ptychophallus paraxanthusi showed the widest distribution and was collected in altitudes ranging from 20 to 700 m. The Rio Grande de Térraba region can be considered as a relatively small, but highly diverse system. Therefore, any alteration of the basin of Rio Grande de Térraba, and especially the possible construction of a hydroelectric power plant, needs to be carefully analyzed to mitigate the damaging effects of this project on the freshwater crabs. More ecological information about freshwater crabs from Costa Rica and the Central American region are needed to reach a first reasonable overview on the ecological role of these decapods in freshwater systems. El conocimiento de la biodiversidad de decápodos de agua dulce ha aumentado considerablemente durante las últimas décadas. Sin embargo, información sobre la ecología de estos crustáceos es limitada. Actualmente, la fauna de los decápodos de agua dulce está compuesta por representantes de tres familias (Caridea: Palaemonidae y Atyidae; Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae). El presente estudio describe la diversidad de especies y la distribución de cangrejos de agua dulce de la cuenca del Río Grande de Térraba, vertiente Pacífica de Costa Rica, donde el Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) está planeando construir una de las plantas hidroeléctricas más grandes de la región. Las muestras fueron recolectadas en 39 localidades a una altitud entre 20 y 1.225 m. El muestreo se efectuó durante varios meses de los años 2007, 2009 y 2010. Se colectó un total de 661 cangrejos de ocho especies de Pseudothelphusidae de tres géneros, lo que representa un 53% de las 15 especies de Pseudothelphusidae actualmente reportado para Costa Rica. La especie más frecuentes fue Ptychophallus paraxanthusi, seguida por P. tristani. Los cangrejos de agua dulce fueron más frecuentes en la región medio-baja de la Cuenca (entre 311 y 600 m) y menos frecuentes en la región medio-alta (entre 601 y 1.225 m). Ptychophallus paraxanthusi demostró la distribución más amplia y fue colectado en altitudes entre 20 y 700 m. Se puede considerar el Río Grande de Térraba un sistema pequeño, pero altamente diverso. Por lo tanto, cualquier alteración de la Cuenca del Rio Grande de Térraba, y especialmente la posible construcción de la planta hidroeléctrica, requiere un análisis cuidadoso para mitigar efectos dañinos de este proyecto sobre los cangrejos de agua dulce. Se requiere más información ecológica sobre los cangrejos de agua dulce de Costa Rica y la región de Centro América para obtener una primera visión razonable del rol ecológico de estos decápodos en los sistemas dulceacuícolas.

Freshwater prawns are distributed in rivers and streams of inland and brackish waters throughout America. In Brazilian waters are registered 35 species into 4 families (Atyidae, Euryrhynchidae, Palaemonidae, and Sergestidae). Information about the geographic distribution of this fauna is scattered in the literature and frequently not founded on documented data in scientific collections. Here we examined a series of specimens and detected several new records and extension of the known distribution of some freshwater shrimps in Brazil.

Six species of Paramunida are reported from the continental margin of north-western Australia. Three species are new to science: Paramunida christinae sp. nov., P. ioannis sp. nov., and P. spiniantennata sp. nov. Two species are reported for the first time from Australian waters, P. evexa Macpherson, 1996 and P. tricarinata (Alcock, 1894). These species were confirmed by molecular evidence from the mitochondrial markers ND1 and 16S. We also examine phylogenetic relationships within the genus, and provide an identification key for all known Paramunida species.

Polychelidan lobsters are fascinating crustaceans that were known as fossils before being discovered in the deep-sea. They differ from other crustaceans by having four to five pairs of claws. Although recent palaeontological studies have clarified the systematics and phylogeny of the group, the biology of extant polychelidans and - first of all - their anatomy are poorly documented. Numerous aspects of the evolutionary history of the group remain obscure, in particular, how and when polychelidans colonized the deep-sea and became restricted to it. Surprisingly, the biology of extant polychelidans and the anatomy of all species, fossil and recent, are poorly documented. Here, X-ray microtomography (XTM), applied to an exceptionally well-preserved specimen from the La Voulte Lagerstatte, reveals for the first time vital aspects of the external and internal morphology of Voulteryon parvulus (Eryonidae), a 165 million-year-old polychelidan: 1) its mouthparts (maxillae and maxillipeds), 2) its digestive tract and 3) its reproductive organs. Comparisons with dissected specimens clearly identify this specimen as a female with mature ovaries. This set of new information offers new insights into the feeding and reproductive habits of Mesozoic polychelidans. Contrasting with other Jurassic polychelidans that lived in shallow water environments, V. parvulus spawned in, and probably inhabited, relatively deep-water environments, as do the survivors of the group. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis L.) stock in the Skagerrak is shared by Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Although the fishery is regulated by an annual agreement between the EU and Norway, there are also national regulations as well as differences in fleet composition and shrimp markets. In early 2014, the World Wildlife Fund gave all Skagerrak shrimp a red light in their seafood consumer guide, which led to an extensive debate, especially in Sweden, about the sustainability of this fishery. The aim of this study was to quantify a set of indicators that together give a broad picture of the sustainability of the three fisheries to provide an objective basis for a discussion on needed measures. The different indicators concerned environmental, economic or social aspects of sustainability and were quantified per tonne of shrimp landed by each country in 2012. The Danish fishery was most efficient in terms of environmental and economic indicators, while the Swedish fishery provided most employment per tonne of shrimp landed. Fuel use in all fisheries was high, also when compared with other shrimp fisheries. Interesting patterns emerged, with smaller vessels being more fuel efficient than larger ones in Sweden and Norway, with the opposite trend in Denmark. The study also demonstrated major data gaps and differences between the countries in how data are collected and made available. Various improvement options in the areas data collection and publication, allocation of quotas and enforcement of regulations resulted. Product-oriented studies could be useful to follow-up performance of fisheries over time and to identify how to best utilize the Skagerrak shrimp stock. This could involve evaluating novel solutions in terms of technology and management, based on current and future scenarios aiming to maximize societal benefits generated from this limited resource, at minimized environmental impacts.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-04T12:34:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-01-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-15T15:04:52Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0104-64972016000100805.pdf: 799588 bytes, checksum: b06cd2aeffd064803b412d42c4aaa655 (MD5) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) We designed 14 new primers for amplification of the COI barcode region of decapod crustacean species. We tested, with high level of success, the generation of similar to 640 +/- 49 base-pair sequences in selected groups of decapods (hermit crabs, squat lobsters, marine and freshwater crabs and shrimps), encompassing representatives of 27 genera of 15 families, 11 of Pleocyemata (Anomura, Brachyura, and Caridea) and 4 of Dendrobranchiata. Based on the results we expect the applicability of these primers for several studies with different taxa within Decapoda. Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol, FFCLRP, LBSC, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil UFSB, CFCTA, Grp Pesquisa Carcinol Biodiversidade Aquat GPCBio, BR-45662200 Ilheus, BA, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Lab Biol Camaroes Marinhos & Agua Doce LABCAM, Fac Ciencias, BR-17033360 Bauru, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Lab Biol Camaroes Marinhos & Agua Doce LABCAM, Fac Ciencias, BR-17033360 Bauru, Brazil FAPESP: Tematico Biota 2010/50188-8 FAPESP: DD 2012/06300-3 FAPESP: BEPE 2014/14245-8 FAPESP: PD 2011/11901-3 FAPESP: PD 2014/016323 CAPES: 2005/2014 -23038.004308/2014-14 CAPES: 7711-13-1 CNPq: PQ 304968/2014-5 CNPq: 440417/2015-5 CNPq: PD 152377/2016-6 CNPq: 140199/2011-0

Crustaceans can exert a greater force using their claws than many animals can with other appendages. Furthermore, in decapods, the chela is a notable organ with multifunctional roles. The coconut crab, Birgus latro, is the largest terrestrial crustacean and has a remarkable ability to lift weights up to approximately 30 kg. However, the pinching force of this crab’s chelae has not been previously investigated. In the present study, we measured the pinching force of the chelae in 29 wild coconut crabs (33–2,120 g in body weight). The maximum force ranged from 29.4 to 1,765.2 N, and showed a strong positive correlation with body mass. Based on the correlation between pinching force and body weight, the force potentially exerted by the largest crab (4 kg weight) reported in a previous study would be 3300 N, which greatly exceeds the pinching force of other crustaceans as well as the bite force of most terrestrial predators. The mighty claw is a terrestrial adaptation that is not only a weapon, which can be used to prevent predator attack and inhibit competitors, but is also a tool to hunt other terrestrial organisms with rigid exteriors, aiding in these organisms to be omnivores.

Ageing and longevity is a neglected field of crustacean biology. Information on longevity is available for less than 2% of the extant species of the Decapoda. Maximum ages reliably determined range from 40 days to 72 years corresponding to a life span difference of a factor of 650. The shortest-lived decapods are planktonic dendrobranchiate shrimps, and particularly long-lived species with life spans of decades are found in the Astacidea. Most decapods seem to live for 1–10 years. High geographical latitude, the deep sea and freshwater caves promote longevity. The majority of the Decapoda is indeterminately growing and presumably characterized by negligible senescence. The adults of the determinately growing decapods like some brachyuran crabs suffer from mechanical senescence and are unable to regenerate lost appendages. The decapod crustaceans have developed many effective anti-ageing mechanisms including moulting, detoxification of free radicals, removal of cellular waste, renewal of tissues by life-long stem cell activity, regeneration of appendages, detoxification of environmental pollutants and isolation of pathogens and diseased tissue areas by melanisation and encapsulation. Age related diseases including cancer are virtually unknown. The present compilation of data on longevity and senescence in decapods is the first one that covers the whole spectrum of a higher invertebrate taxon. It is hoped to provide an interesting source of information for carcinologists and biogerontologists. Further improvement of knowledge on ageing and longevity in the Decapoda would be beneficial for crustacean aquaculture, fisheries and ecological modelling. Some decapods even have good potential to become models for general ageing research.

Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociencias Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. 24 A, n. 1515, CEP 13506-900, Rio Claro, Sao Paulo

The case of alien blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbum, 1896) capture in the Russian sector of the Black Sea is described. All known cases of detection of this species in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov are listed. The degree, probability, and possible consequences of blue crab naturalization in the Azov-Black Sea basin are analyzed.

The giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii is one of the most common decapod species, and now getting more attention from the aquaculturists world wide due to its high market demand. It is commercially important because of its size as well as its eating flesh qualities. The breeding behaviour, reproduction and hatching of this species were observed for about 8 months during 2009. Juveniles (0.55 ± 0.177 g total weight and 2.7 ± 0.12 cm, total length) were reared in rounded fibre glass tanks (1.3 m, diameter). Pre-mating moult occurs in prawns once the ovaries ripen in their carapace cavity so as to transform the prawn into berried stage. Recorded incubation period ranged from 18 to 24 days. The number of eggs ranged from 2050 to 150 500 and the fecundity ranged from 435.2 to 3849.1 eggs. Number of hatched larvae ranged from 1825 to 123 410 larvae for females of 4.71 to 39.1 g respectively. The number of eggs carried by female prawn was directly proportional to its body weight (no. of eggs = 3441.3 wt. of female – 32 292, r2 = 0.819). (fecundity = 82.066 wt. of female − 235.04, r2 = 0.7779; fecundity = 317.86 length of female − 2651, r2 = 0.833). Hatching rate ranged from 65% to 91%, and there was a correlation between number of hatched larvae and size of female parent (no. of larvae = 10 369 length of female – 102 965, r2 = 0.8159; no. of larvae = 2792.9 wt. of female – 26 268, r2 = 0.829). This study can greatly help in the management strategies of prawn hatcheries and improve its hatching technology.

This study was carried out on the behaviour of two species of sympatric fiddler crabs on Abi estuary, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Species differences in activity level, grooming, burrowing, muddy structure construction and feeding were all related to their habitat and food source. The more common Uca annulipes lives in low muddy areas along the edges of small streams while Uca sindensis lives in small patches on the higher areas with sandier sediment. At low tide, both species spent most of their time feeding, while at high tide they retreated into their burrows. Both species frequently walked while feeding and interacted aggressively. There were similarities in the feeding behaviour of these species: they fed at the same times of the tidal cycles, they were more likely to engage in courtship and mating behaviour during February–September and were least aggressive at this time. In both species, crabs excavated mud balls from their burrows and placed them away from their burrow entrances. There were, however, also differences between the species. Uca annulipes constructed mud hoods at the entrance to their burrows while U. sindensis did not; and the species differed in feeding rate.

Monocirrhus polyacanthus (Polycentridae) is a remarkable leaf-mimicking fish that inhabits streams, lake and river margins along the Amazon basin. Despite its obvious predatory habits and being frequently present in the international aquarium trade, little is known about its diet under natural conditions. We examined 35 specimens of leaf fish (28.5-82.0 mm SL), of which 19 had food the stomach. Thirty-three preys were found in the stomach contents, 19 of which were measured (2.0-33.0 mm total length). Up to five preys were found in the stomach contents of a single leaf fish specimen. The diet of the leaf fish was constituted by fish (63.15% FO, n = 12) and invertebrates (36.3% FO, n = 4); fish and invertebrate preys occurred together in three stomachs (15.8% FO). Of the 33 prey found in the stomachs, 21 were fish and 12 invertebrates. Among the consumed prey fishes, Characiformes and Perciformes represented 76.1% and 14.2% respectively. Characidae was the most commonly recorded prey family, followed by Lebiasinidae. Invertebrates were represented by shrimps (Decapoda) and insects (Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Ephemeroptera and Odonata). There was a positive relation between the size of the leaf fish specimens and of its consumed preys. The combination of leaf fish's visually effective body camouflage and the reduced activity of the characids at crepuscular hours probably allow the capture of such fast moving preys. The coiled position of the fishes found in the stomach of M. polyacanthus possibly allowed the accommodation of more than one prey simultaneously, which seems to be important for predators that consume proportionally large preys that are captured only occasionally. © 2010 Sociedade Brasileira de Ictiologia.

The relationship between predator and prey is a persistent theme in marine paleontology. Herein we focus on the decapod Crustacea, the shrimps, lobsters, and crabs, and their role as predators on the Mollusca through geologic time. Five major means by which decapods crush shells or eat shelled prey might be recorded in the body-fossil record, as they require specialization of the appendages. These include use of (1) heterochelous first pereiopods, (2) molariform teeth on the fingers of the chelae, (3) a curved proximal tooth on the movable finger of the chela, (4) calcified mandibles, and (5) flattened pereiopods (walking legs). Decapods have had adaptations for durophagous predation on mollusks since the early Triassic. Durophagous adaptations had appeared among multiple clades by the Late Cretaceous. The myriad means by which decapods prey upon Mollusca, and the multiple uses for which pereiopods and other appendages are adapted, suggests that predation studies should incorporate more decapod types and more types of predation when examining predation as a driver of evolution.

Freshwater crabs are an important component of the fauna of limnic environments, and out of the two true freshwater crab families present in the Neotropics, Pseudothelphusidae is the most diverse. Considering the lack of information regarding reproductive features of neotropical freshwater crabs, we studied, for the first time, the fecundity and the presence of juveniles carried by females of two pseudothelphusids from the Amazon region - Kingsleya latifrons (Randall, 1840) and Kingsleya ytupora Magalhães, 1986 - and one from Central America - Potamocarcinus magnus (Rathbun, 1896). The two Kingsleya species produced relatively few (56-114) and large eggs (1.9-3.7 mm), typical for species with an abbreviated or direct development. Recently produced eggs were substantially larger in K. latifrons (mean 2.83 mm) when compared to those of K. ytupora (mean 1.87 mm); however, at the end of the embryogenesis, mean egg diameter was similar in both species. Therefore, it is assumed that hatchlings in both species should have a similar size. A brief description of attached juveniles of K. ytupora is provided. The number of juveniles varied between 30 (K. ytupora) and 179 (P. magnus); two size groups of juveniles were found, which indicates that the offspring cling to their mother for a prolonged period of time. There was no significant loss of eggs and juveniles; it is assumed that parental care diminishes the loss of their offspring. We compiled the available information of reproductive aspects from freshwater crabs: egg diameter was in the range of 2-3 mm, independent of female size and fecundity, and reported egg number varied between 9 and 417 eggs. © 2010 Sociedade Brasileira de Zoologia. All rights reserved.

In order to investigate possible changes in the natural diet of brachyurans during their gradual transition from marine to terrestrial life, the natural diet of five species of Brachyura ( Liocarcinus depurator , Portumnus latipes , Portumnus lysianassa , Pachygrapsus marmoratus , and Ocypode cursor ), living in different habitats (in Greece and in Cyprus), with a gradation from sea to land, was studied. The circalittoral species, L. depurator mainly feeds on macroinvertebrates (Polychaeta, Crustacea, Mollusca) and Pisces, living in or near muddy bottoms. The diet of the infralittoral crab, P. latipes is mainly based on Polychaeta, Crustacea, and drifting macroalgae, while the same prey groups dominate in the diet of the soft substratum midlittoral crab, P. lysianassa. The diet of the latter is also supplemented with insects of terrestrial origin. The hard substratum midlittoral crab P. marmoratus mainly feeds on Polychaeta, macroalgae, and secondarily on Crustacea and Mollusca. Finally, the semi-terrestrial crab, O. cursor has a diet different from that of the other four species, since it mainly feeds on insects, i.e., terrestrial invertebrates. Multidimensional analysis detected statistically significant differences in the diet composition of the five species studied. These differences should be attributed to the dissimilarity of the available trophic resources in the corresponding habitats of these species, as a result of their gradual trend from sea to land. Dans le but d'etudier les possibles variations du regime alimentaire naturel de Brachyoures durant la transition graduelle entre especes marines et terrestres, le regime naturel de cinq especes de Brachyoures ( Liocarcinus depurator , Portumnus latipes , Portumnus lysianassa , Pachygrapsus marmoratus et Ocypode cursor ), vivant dans differents habitats (en Grece et en Chypre), avec une gradation de la mer vers la terre, a ete etudie. L'espece circa-littorale L. depurator , se nourrit surtout de macro-invertebres (Polychetes, Crustaces, Mollusques) et de poissons vivant dans ou pres du sol vaseux. Le regime du crabe infralittoral P. latipes est surtout base sur des Polychetes, Crustaces et des macro-algues derivantes, alors que le meme groupe de proies domine dans le regime du crabe mid-littoral P. lysianassa de substrat mou. Le regime de ce dernier est aussi complete avec des insectes d'origine terrestre. Le crabe mid-littoral P. marmoratus de substrat dur, s'alimente surtout de Polychetes, macro-algues, et secondairement de Crustaces et Mollusques. Finalement le crabe semi-terrestre, O. cursor a un regime different de celui des quatre autres especes, puisqu'il se nourrit d'insectes, i.e., d'invertebres terrestres. Des analyses multidimensionnelles ont detecte des differences statistiques dans la composition du regime des cinq especes etudiees. Ces differences peuvent etre attribuees a la difference des ressources trophiques disponibles dans les habitats correspondants de ces especes, un resultat de leur transition graduelle de la mer vers la terre.

Spatial and bathymetric distribution, population density, habitat preferences, fecundity, breeding season and interspecific interactions of the alien grapsoid crab Percnon gibbesi (H. Milne-Edwards, 1853) from the Maltese Islands (Malta and Gozo) are compared among localities in the Mediterranean where established populations have been reported since 1999. In the Maltese Islands, habitat preferences and bathymetric distribution were similar to those in other Mediterranean localities. Spatial distribution was found to be limited by the availability of the boulder habitat in which this crab nearly always occurs. Fecundity was higher in the Maltese Islands than in Linosa and Lampedusa, the breeding season lasting from the end of May until September. On Maltese shores the habitat of the alien overlapped with that of the native grapsid Pachygrapsus marmoratus (Fabricius, 1787) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Grapsoidea) and, to a lesser extent, that of the native xanthid Eriphia verrucosa (Forska°l, 1775). Laboratory studies to assess the possible interactions of the alien species with P. marmoratus suggest that the latter shows a competitive advantage over P. gibbesi, since 80.8% of encounters between the two species were initiated by P. marmoratus, and in 80% of the encounters it prevailed. This suggests that P. marmoratus is unlikely to be excluded from its natural habitat by the alien species, and that significant spatial resource partitioning on the part of P. marmoratus is unlikely to occur., peer-reviewed

We investigated the taxonomic status of two sympatric morphospecies of squat lobsters from southern South America (Beagle Channel, Strait of Magellan, and Burdwood Bank), Munida gregaria and Munida subrugosa, by DNA sequence analysis of three mitochondrial (mt)DNA gene fragments [416 bp of 16S rDNA(165), 566 bp of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COI) and 418 bp of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1)]; and the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 (883–952 bp). We obtained a total of 79 sequences from 32 individuals. The 16S sequences of all M. gregaria and M. subrugosa were invariant and identical, whereas COI and ND1 showed 12 and 15 variable sites, respectively. These polymorphisms were shared between morphospecies. Interspecific Tamura–Nei distances for COI and ND1 sequences were 0.0024 and 0.0032, respectively, and were not significantly different from intraspecific distances (Kruskal–Wallis tests: P = 0.58 and P = 0.69, for COI and ND1, respectively). Similar to the results obtained from the mtDNA sequences, no relationship was found between the ITS1 maximum parsimony tree topology and the morphologic classification of specimens in M. gregaria and M. subrugosa. We conclude that M. gregaria and M. subrugosa from southern South America may either represent a case of a dimorphic species, or a case of incomplete lineage sorting. The fact that these two morphospecies did not show fixed differences over a total of 1947 bp analysed reinforces the hypothesis of a single dimorphic species. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 94, 421–434.

The morphology of the ovaries in Uca rapax (Smith, 1870) was described based on macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Females were collected in Itamambuca mangrove, Ubatuba, state of São Paulo, Brazil. In the laboratory, 18 females had their ovaries removed and prepared for histology. Each gonad developmental stage was previously determined based on external and macroscopic morphology and afterwards each stage was microscopically described. The ovaries of U. rapax showed a pronounced macroscopic differentiation in size and coloration with the maturation of the gonad, with six ovarian developmental stages: immature, rudimentary, developing, developed, advanced and spent. During the vitellogenesis, the amount of oocytes in secondary stage increases in the ovary, resulting in a change in coloration of the gonad. Oogonias, primary oocytes, secondary oocytes and follicular cells were histologically described and measured. In female’s ovaries of U. rapax the modifications observed in the oocytes during the process of gonad maturation are similar to descriptions of gonads of other females of brachyuran crustaceans. The similarities are specially found in the morphological changes in the reproductive cells, and also in the presence and arrange of follicle cells during the process of ovary maturation. When external morphological characteristics of the gonads were compared to histological descriptions, it was possible to observe modifications that characterize the process in different developmental stages throughout the ovarian cycle and, consequently, the macroscopic classification of gonad stages agree with the modifications of the reproductive cells. A morfologia dos ovários de Uca rapax foi descrita baseada nas análises macroscópica e microscópica. As fêmeas foram coletadas no manguezal de Itamambuca, Ubatuba, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. No laboratório, os ovários de 18 fêmeas foram retirados e preparados para histologia. Os estágios gonadais foram caracterizados previamente por meio de análises da morfologia externa e macroscopia e posteriormente cada estágio foi descrito microscopicamente. Os ovários das fêmeas de U. rapax apresentaram uma diferenciação macroscópica pronunciada no tamanho e coloração durante o processo de maturação, sendo caracterizados seis estágios de desenvolvimento ovariano: imaturo, rudimentar, em desenvolvimento, desenvolvido, avançado e esgotado. Microscopicamente, estes estágios diferiram quanto ao tamanho, cor e proporção de oogônias e oócitos presentes. Na análise histológica, oogônias, oócitos primários e secundários e células foliculares foram descritos e mensurados. As modificações observadas nos oócitos durante o processo de maturação dos ovários das fêmeas de U. rapax são similares às descrições de gônadas de outras fêmeas de braquiúros. As semelhanças foram especialmente observadas nas mudanças morfológicas das células reprodutivas e, também no arranjo das células foliculares durante o processo de maturação ovariana. Quando as características morfológicas externas das gônadas foram comparadas com as descrições histológicas, foi possível observar modificações que caracterizam o processo em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento do ciclo ovariano e conseqüentemente, a classificação macroscópica das gônadas coincide com as modificações nas células reprodutivas.

Coupling experiments at small spatial scales with large-scale surveys can help to generalize experimental results across large spatial scales. The goal of the present study was to evaluate patterns of crab herbivory within and, at a larger scale, between many southwestern (SW) Atlantic salt marshes. Hence, we conducted experiments in an Argentinean salt marsh to elucidate the effects of crab Chasmagnathus granulatus grazing on the cordgrass Spartina densiflora and the factors that can affect this interaction, and then examined the potential generality of these results across SW Atlantic salt marshes from Brazil to Argentina (15 marshes, range ≈ 2000 km). Experimental examination of the effects of crabs (control and exclusion) on marsh grass transplants, and factors that can affect them, i.e. the presence or absence of plant neighbors and marsh height (middle and low), revealed that crab herbivory decreased plant biomass and increased stem mortality; however, herbivory effects were significantly diminished in the presence of plant neighbors and with increasing marsh elevation. Our geographical survey showed that crab herbivory is common in SW Atlantic salt marshes, with more than 20 % of leaves damaged in most marshes and with greater consumption at marshes with higher crab densities. In addition, plants at the lower edge of marshes were generally the most consumed (max. >60 % leaves consumed) and crabs preferred S. alterniflora over S. densiflora. Over a regional spatial scale, our results suggest that herbivory may affect plant production at some marshes and can also play a role in limiting the lower tidal elevation limit of low-marsh plants. © Inter-Research 2007.

The endemic Tasmanian mountain shrimps of the genus Anaspides Thomson, 1894 (Anaspidacea) have attracted considerable scientific interest as potential basal eumalacostracans and as 'living fossils', closely resembling their Triassic forbears (Coineau & Camacho 2013). Two species are currently recognised, with A. tasmaniae (Thomson, 1893) (type locality: Mount Wellington) accorded a wide range throughout most of central, western and southern Tasmania, and A. spinulae Williams, 1965, believed restricted to central Tasmania from Lake St. Clair (type locality) and immediate environs (O’Brien 1990). Despite the current taxonomy, heterogeneity in A. tasmaniae has been increasingly suggested, which may have important conservation management implications (e.g., Jarman & Elliot 2000). Jarman & Elliott (2000) recognised three potential clades (based on mitochondrial 16S sequences) that may correspond to separate species. A taxonomic and phylogenetic revision of the genus, now in progress, found A. tasmaniae to be restricted to the vicinity of Mount Wellington, and all Anaspides from other localities to represent other species. Owing to delays in the completion of the revision, however, some of the new species of Anaspides are briefly diagnosed below in order to make the formal species names available for other studies now underway. Full accounts of the species of Anaspides will be given when the revision of the genus is completed.

The morphology of the mouthparts and foregut of the larvae and post-larvae of Macrobrachium jelskii was investigated to determine their functional roles in feeding, in order to understand the larval feeding behaviour and the changes that occur during its development. The mouthparts and foregut of the zoea I and II are morphologically similar, rudimentary and non-functional in feeding. Only in the final larval stage, zoea III, do the external mouthparts and foregut become structurally more complex and thus likely to play a potential role in feeding. Two behavioral trials (point of no return, point of reserve saturation) evaluated the resistance to starvation in zoea I, II, and III. The results indicate that they have sufficient nutritional reserves to permit them to complete metamorphosis without feeding. Overall, our results suggest that the zoea I and II of Macrobrachium jelskii engage in obligate lecithotrophy and zoea III in facultative lecithotrophy.

In order to improve the efficiency of soft-shell crab production, we investigated whether it is technically viable to increase harvesting rates of soft-shelled crabs of the species Callinectes danae and C. exasperatus by selecting animals based on macroscopic molt signs and maintaining them in specific facilities. The study was conducted in three stages. In the first stage, macroscopic anatomic changes possibly related to the molting cycle identified under laboratory conditions. In the second stage we used the macroscopic clues observed in the first assay to select premolt animals harvested from their natural environments. Yet in this stage of the work, the relationship between the macroscopic changes and the microscopic signs of molting was evaluated. Lastly, an assay verified the technical feasibility of increasing the fraction of soft-shells in the total catch by selecting and maintaining premolt swimming crabs of species C. danae and C. exasperatus in specific facilities until the molt. Our results indicated that we can macroscopically identify, and therefore select, individuals in premolt phases II, III and IV that will soon molt, but further investigations are necessary to identify the requisite conditions for successful molting of individuals in premolt phase I.

Distribution and abundance of species of Crangonidae and Glyphocrangonidae in the Mexican deep-waters of the Gulf of Mexico were analyzed through six research cruises onboard of the R/V Justo Sierra of the Universidad Nacional Autono-ma de Mexico using an otter trawl in a depth range of 300–1200 m. We collected two and five species of the Crangonidae and Glyphocrangonidae families, respectively. We provide information about its depth and geographic distribution, abun-dance, frequency of occurrence and size structure. Glyphocrangon , composed of five species ( G. aculeata , G. alispina , G. haematonotus , G . longleyi and G. spinicauda ), was the most common and abundant component during the benthic trawls with a total of 1125 individuals. The family Crangonidae recorded only one genus and two species ( Parapontocaris ca-ribbaea and P. vicina ) with 21 individuals. A taxonomic key for these crangonid and glyphocrangonid shrimps of the Gulf of Mexico is also provided.

Parabetaeus acanthus sp. nov. is described based on two specimens from Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, and Madang, Papua New Guinea. The new species is unique within the genus in possessing an anteriorly directed, spine-like tooth on the mid-dorsal line of the carapace, posterior to base of the eyes, and in the stylocerite not reaching the mid-length of the first article of the antennular peduncle. The chelipeds of P. acanthus sp. nov. are variable in size and proportions, as well as in the armature on the finger cutting edges. This cheliped polymorphism appears to be typical to all species of the genus.