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ANNALS

OF THE

SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM

VOLUME XXXVIII

6018

ANNALS

OF THE

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POLUME AXXVIIT

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BY NEILL AND CO. LTD., 212 CAUSEWAYSIDE, EDINBURGH.

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ANNALS

OF THE

SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM

VOLUME XXXVIII.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea (Crabs

and Shrimps).—By K. H. Barnarp, D.Sc., F.L.S. (With

154 Text-figures.)

Addenda.

Descriptive Inst of South African Stomatopod Crustacea (Mantis

Shrimps).—By K. H. Barnarp, D.8c., F.L.S. (With

4 Text-figures.)

O53 yoyo.

Big

Cea

i t i AY

“att

ISSUED MARCH 1950. PRICE £38, 15s.

PRINTED FOR THE

TRUSTEES OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM, CAPE TOWN

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CONTENTS.

K. H. BaRnarp. PAGE

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea (Crabs and

Shrimps) . : : ; 5 : ‘ : : , ‘ 1

Addenda . : ; : : : : : : : . 816

Index . ‘ : 3 : : ‘ ‘ : : . 824

Descriptive List of South African Stomatopod Crustacea (Mantis

Shrimps) . é - : é : ; : , : . 838

DATE OF PUBLICATION

MARCH 1950.

The Trustees express their acknowledgments to the Council for Scientific

and Industrial Research for a grant-in-aid covering the major part of the cost

of publication of this monograph.

ANNALS

OF THE

SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM

VOLUME XXXVIII.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea.

By K. H. Barnarp, D.S8c., F.L.S.

(With 154 Text-figures.)

A KNOWLEDGE of the Crustacean fauna of South Africa has been

gradually built up, on the basis of the more or less casual collecting

of early travellers and voyagers around the Cape, and by later and

more intensive collecting by scientific collectors and expeditions.

Students of South African Crustacea owe a debt of gratitude to the

late Rev. T. R. R. Stebbing,, F.R.S., for bringing all these scattered

records together into a General Catalogue, which is not merely a

fauna-list but has the further merit of containing abundant references

to the antecedent literature.*

Moreover, Stebbing himself contributed more to South African

carcinology than any previous worker by means of his reports on the

collections of the Cape Government trawler s.s. Preter Faure and of

the South African Museum,7f and in his reports on Natal Crustacea.{

The last of these reports was published in 1924, and altogether they

record some 150 new species and new records additional to those in

the 1910 Catalogue.

The Catalogue was not a descriptive catalogue, and consequentiy

the identification of South African crabs and prawns, unless illustrated

* Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., vi, 1910, pp. 281-593 (Decapoda, pp. 283-395).

7 In “Marine Investigations in South Africa,” i-iv, 1900-5 (correct date of

publication printed at end of each paper, sometimes earlier than date of the bound

volume; vol. viforms part*of vol. vi of Ann. S. Afr. Mus.), and Ann. S. Afr. Mus.,

vi-xix, 1908-24.

t In Annals Durban Museum, i-iii, 1917-21.

VOLE.” XXX van: 1

APR 1 3 1950

2 Annals of the South African Museum.

—

in Stebbing’s papers, is a difficult matter for anyone not having access

to a reference collection such as is preserved in the South African

Museum.

To remedy this, the following descriptive account of the Decapod

Crustaceans (Crabs, Hermit-crabs, Prawns, Shrimps) has been pre-

pared. Although it contains a considerable number of new records,

it is necessarily far from being even an approximately complete list

of the actual fauna. The area off the coasts of Zululand and Portu-

guese East Africa, containing a wealth of Indo-Pacific species, has

been very little investigated. Many additions to the fauna-list may

be expected from this area. In recent years good work in the littoral

and shallow waters has been done by the Zoology Departments of the

Universities of the Witwatersrand and Cape Town, the former at

Delagoa Bay, the latter at various localities around the coast of the

Union of South Africa.

The geographical boundary here adopted is the parallel of 15°S. lat.,*

a boundary which coincides approximately with Mossamedes on the

west coast and Mozambique Island on the east coast. As thus limited

the South African region includes, besides a truly South African area

with its own special fauna, a small portion on the west with an

Atlantic facies, and a much larger portion on the east with an Indo-

Pacific facies. Hard-and-fast boundaries, of course, are not to be

laid down, no more than in the case of the currents which largely

determine the type of fauna.

It is unfortunate if no more detailed locality.can be given than

merely ““Cape” or “Cape of Good Hope” (these occur, e.g., in Chopra,

Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxv, 1933, p. 32, probably translated from Balss,

Arch. Naturg., Ixxxvili, 1922; Chopra and Das, Rec. Ind. Mus.,

xxx1x, 1937, pp. 384, 385; Balss, Fauna Col. Frang., v, 1934, p. 522).

It is not so vague as “S. Africa,” and consequently is definitely

misleading. For example, the species to which the above references

apply, do not extend to anywhere near the locality usually understood

nowadays as the Cape of Good Hope. These locality names date from

the early days when they signified, for both land and sea animals,

“Kaffraria,’ or even the greater part of the region now comprised

in the Union of South Africa. To-day, however, we require for

purposes of discussion of geographical distribution more precise

localities.

In the present work wherever “False Bay” is mentioned, the large

* As in the Monograph of Marine Fishes, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xxi. See also

Stebbing’s General Catalogue, p. 326.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 3

bay in the south-west Cape is intended, not the subsidiary bay

enclosed within St. Lucia Bay, Zululand.

As in Hilgendorf’s paper,* ““Mozambique” is to be understood as

the Island of Mozambique, not the whole province, which is here

referred to as Portuguese Hast Africa. In spite of Hilgendorf’s state-

ment, his records of freshwater Palaemon species must refer to a

locality on the mainland, as there are no freshwater streams on the

island.

Certain anomalies of distribution within South African waters, or

the presence of certain Huropean and other species, may possibly be

due to transportation on ships’ bottoms. The most noteworthy

importation seems to be the Crab Palumnoides perlatus (p. 257). This

is a South American species which has occurred singly or in small

numbers at Plymouth (England) and Queenstown (Ireland), but which

occurs in sufficient numbers to breed on the west coast of South Africa.

Its occurrence here has only recently been detected, and future

observers will note whether it extends its range. Possibly it is not an

importation at all.

Within our waters it is possible that Upogebia capensis has extended

its range from the west coast to Simon’s Bay and Mossel Bay by the

agency of ships, especially the old wooden ships.

Although the harbour areas, e.g. Table Bay, Simon’s Bay, Mossel

Bay, Algoa Bay, and Durban, are those in which most collecting has

hitherto been done, and certain species recorded from these areas may

later be found to have a wider distribution, nevertheless species

collected only in or near harbours are suspect; f e.g. Macropodia

rostrata, Atelecyclus septemdentatus.

It is perhaps strange that up to the present there is no record in our

waters of Carcindes maenas, the common shore-crab of Britain,

Hurope, and the Atlantic coast of North America. In other parts of

the world this crab has a rather remarkable distribution which leads

one to think that accidental transportation may have occurred.t{

Three large and well-known West Indian Decapods, Stenocionops

furcata, Calappa flammea, and Petrochirus bahamensis, were stated to

have been captured by H.M.S. Challenger in Simon’s Bay. But they

have never again been reported from South Africa, and Odhuer’s

* MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1878, p. 784.

7 Stebbing, History of Crustacea, 1893, pp. 98,99. Chilton, Trans. New Zealand

‘Inst., xliii, 1911, p. 131.

t Broekhuysen, Arch. néerl. Zool., ii, pp. 257-399. Chopra and Das, Rec. Ind.

Muss oxcxix, LOS ip. ask.

+ Annals of the South African Museum.

suggestion is eminently reasonable that the records should be regarded

as due to an error in labelling, and these species omitted from the

South African fauna-lst.*

For observations on the geographical distribution, and the com-

position of the South African fauna, see the works of Ortmann (1894),

Weber (1897), Doflein (1904), Odhner (1923).

Except for minor points regarding the identity or synonymy of

certain species, the present work contains no new researches. The

systematic arrangement is in the main that of Borradaile (1907) and

Calman (1909), with slight modifications. The diagnoses of the

families, genera, etc. have been compiled from the works of previous

authors so far as these have been available in South Africa. Lengthy

descriptions of the species have not been given in most cases. The

terminology has been kept as simple as possible, but technical terms

are often unavoidable. In some places, to save space, abbreviations

have been used, e.g. ant. for antenna, mx. for maxilla, and mxp. for

maxilliped.

The identity of some species 1s still open to doubt, especially where

the South African specimens have been “identified with” a species

known from some other region without actual comparison of specimens.

References have as a rule been limited to those later than 1910,

except in cases of species not hitherto recorded. References, however,

to figures given by Stebbing in South African periodicals, references

to McLeay and Krauss, are always given; together with certain other

references which the present author has found useful.

All references have been checked as far as the original works are

available to me, but in many instances references have been taken

from other authors. Sometimes one author’s mistake is perpetuated

by later authors who have not been able to consult original works, e.g.

Alcock (J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixvii, p. 101) quotes Milne Edwards’

Hist. Nat. Crust., 1, p. 377, pl. 16, fig. 14; on referring to the latter

work one finds that Milne Edwards himself has given in his text

“fig. 14” instead of figs. 1-3, although the explanation of plate 16 is

correct (Atlas, p. 15).

It is regrettable that the time (and expense) spent on photographing

crabs and shrimps is in most cases wasted. Such photographs when

reproduced may be handy for suggesting the family, or perhaps the

* Medd. Goteb. Mus., xxxi, 1923, p. 32. It may be noted that the Challenger

proceeded from the West Indies to North America, and thence via the Cape Verdes

and South America to the Cape, without touching at any home port and, presumably,

without disembarking any of her scientific collections.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 5

genus, to which a specimen belongs; but unless the specific characters

are very bold and the specimen has been specially set out for the

purpose, they are quite useless for the serious study and comparison

of specific differences.*

On the other hand, a simple outline drawing, emphasizing the

particular specific characters (and occupying perhaps 10-15 minutes

to execute), may often be infinitely more helpful to the student. The

present work is therefore illustrated by such freehand drawings.

Although without artistic pretensions, a certain degree of accuracy

may be claimed forthem. They are intended to indicate the features

which a student should look for when seeking to identify specimens,

and which cannot always be appreciated from a verbal description,

however explicit.

The material available for the present descriptive account includes

pre-eminently that collected by the Cape Government trawler s.s.

Pieter Faure between the years 1898 and 1907 (dates in the log-book

when the vessel was actually at sea collecting), and forming part of

the collections of the South African Museum. This collection formed

the basis of Stebbing’s researches and reports. Many of the actual

specimens (types and co-types) named by Stebbing, and, after 1910

when the Pieter Faure collection was vested in the South African

Museum and the Museum continued the supply of material to

Stebbing, the majority of the specimens, have been returned to the

Museum.

I have worked through the whole of the Preter Faure material,

much of which had never been submitted to Stebbing; and also other

material in the Museum derived partly from correspondents and casual

donations, partly from collecting by myself (including a visit to

Delagoa Bay and Mozambique) and other members of the staff.

Dr. C. J. van der Horst (Witwatersrand University) submitted the

material collected by him and his students in the course of several

visits to Delagoa Bay. I have also seen the collection made by the

late Dr. J. D. F. Gilchrist in the s.s. Pickle off the coast of Portuguese

Kast Africa; + and a collection belonging to the Museu Dr. Alvaro de

Castro at Lourenzo Marques from the same area.

Dr. T. A. Stephenson (formerly of the University of Cape Town)

* Odhner’s photographs of Xanthid crabs (Medd. Goteb. Mus., xxxvii, 1925),

where evidently great care has been taken to employ two sources of lighting, thus

obviating undue shadows which obscure and deform the real shape and sculpture,

are an outstanding and pleasing exception to the above complaint.

7 Trans. Roy. Soc. 8. Afr., xiii, 1926.

6 Annals of the South African Museum.

submitted the material collected by him and his students in the course

of an Ecological Survey around the coast of the Union of South Africa.

The Union Government Fisheries and Marine Biological Survey,

under the directorship formerly of the late Dr. Gilchrist, and now of

Dr. Cecil von Bonde, has continued the work of the Cape Government

Marine Survey, and some of the Crustacea have been briefly reported

on by Stebbing (1923), Calman and Hansen (1925).

One of the earliest collections of Crustacea made in this country was

that gathered together by Dr. Sir Andrew Smith, founder and first

Curator of the South African Museum.* This collection was entrusted

by Dr. Smith, on his return to England in 1837, to W. 8. McLeay for

description in Smith’s classic publication “Illustrations of the Zoology

of South Africa.” McLeay’s work was first published in 1838 under

the title ““Annulosa of South Africa.”

Under what terms the collection of Crustacea was handed over to

McLeay is not known, but the collection seems to have been regarded

as lost, and while some of the species described by McLeay have been

readily recognized by later writers, the identity of others has remained

obscure.

In 1937, however, Mr. Melbourne Ward informed me that he had

discovered the Smith Collection, including all but five of McLeay’s

types, in the Australian Museum at Sydney. We must assume,

therefore, that McLeay regarded the collection as his own property,

and took it with him when he migrated to Australia in 1839, where

later he became a Trustee of the Australian Museum.t

The discovery, after a hundred years, that McLeay’s types are still

extant, well preserved, and in safe keeping, is a most interesting and

important event in the history of South African carcinology.

Although Mr. Ward tells me he intends to publish a report on

McLeay’s species, giving their modern designations, he has very kindly

sent me a set of photographs, from which I have been able to satisfy

myself as to the identity of McLeay’s species.

Without giving a detailed history of South African Carcinology,

the progress in our knowledge of the Crustacean fauna may be

* P. Kirby, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xxxvi, 1942, p. 1.

+ William Sharp Macleay, 1792-1865. R. Etheridge, jun., in Rec. Austral.

Mus., xi, 1916, p. 67, says: “In early official documents the family name was spelt

M’Leay. . . .” The initials to the preface of the “Annulosa of South Africa”’ are

printed thus: W. 8. M‘L.

t J. J. Fletcher, Macleay Memorial Volume, Linnean Society of New South

Wales, p. x, 1893; R. Etheridge, jun., in Rec. Austral. Mus., xii, 1919, p. 394, records

W.S8. Macleay as Committeeman, 1841-53; Trustee, 1853-62.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. if

_ indicated by the number of “new species” collected by the more

important collectors and expeditions, although, for several reasons,

this is not the most reliable index of a collector’s energy.

Krauss travelled for a considerable time in this country (1838-40)

shore-collecting at various localities; and the Cape Government

trawler s.s. Pieter Faure over a period of nearly ten years investigated

almost the whole of the South African area from the mouth of the

Orange River on the west to St. Lucia Bay and Cape Vidal on the

east, deep and shallow water. On the other hand, the U.S. Exploring

Expedition (1838-42), the U.S. North Pacific Exploring Expedition

(1853-56), the Challenger (at the Cape, 1873), Gazelle (at the Cape,

1874), Valdivia (Cape, Agulhas Bank to Port Elizabeth, 1898), Gauss

(Cape and Durban, 1901 and 1903) paid only comparatively fleeting

visits to South African harbours mainly for revictualling and refitting.

Further, the majority of the species in the South African fauna-list

have been first collected and described from other regions. Thus one

collector may obtain a number of species merely new to the fauna-list,

whereas another may just happen to find several “new species.”’ Also

progress in taxonomy may sink a supposed n.sp. as a synonym of a

species known from another region, or separate the local from the

extra-South African species with which it had been included or

misidentified.

With these qualifications, however, it may be interesting to note

that Smith (McLeay) collected 8 new species, Krauss 15, the U.S.

North Pacific Exploring Expedition (Stimpson) 5, the Valdivia

(Doflein) 2, the Gauss (Lenz and Strunck) 1, and the Preter Faure

(Stebbing, Barnard) 54 new species. (These figures include, of course,

only Decapod Crustacea.)

The most notable of the Preter Faure discoveries were aie Giant

Stone Crab from deep water off the Cape, and two Palinurids.

In many cases Mauritian species have been included in the keys to

species, because some of them may eventually be collected on the South

African coast. A regular steamship service between Durban and

Mauritius may possibly facilitate transportation. But not all the

species recorded from Mauritius have been included, as some of the

literature is not available. (See A. Milne Edwards in Maillard’s Ile de

Réunion, 1862; Richters, 1880; Miers, 1880, 1882, 1884; Bouvier,

1910 and 1915; Ward, 1942.)

~Colloquial names for South African crabs, prawns, and shrimps are

almost non-existent. As there is such a vast variety of species, many

of them indistinguishable from one another except by the specialist,

8 Annals of the South African Museum.

it is doubtful whether the introduction of such names would be of any

practical value. The large crayfishes, and-some of the larger and most

striking of the commoner crabs, have been given names.

Grateful acknowledgments for assistance in many ways is herewith

tendered to: Dr. W. T. Calman (formerly of the British Museum),

Dr. Isabella Gordon (British Museum), Dr. Waldo L. Schmitt (U.S.

National Museum), Professor C. J. van der Horst (Witwatersrand

University, Johannesburg), Professor T. A. Stephenson (formerly

University of Cape Town), Mr. Melbourne Ward (Australian Museum,

Sydney). Iam specially indebted to Dr. Gordon, who has generously

devoted a considerable amount of time to checking references and

making tracings for me.

To the memory of the Rev. T. R. R. Stebbing, whose unstinted help

and encouragement at the beginning (1911) of my studies on South

African Crustacea were invaluable, this work is but a small tribute.

As far as possible references to the more important papers, published

after the completion of the MS. (3lst December 1940), have been

inserted. Stephensen in his work on the Brachyura of the Iranian

(Persian) Gulf (1945) has given a valuable summary of the male Ist

and 2nd pleopods, with a list of hitherto published descriptions and

figures of the species arranged systematically. These appendages are

essential for the correct identification of crabs.

Gal) 16).

3lst March 1947.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 9

REPTANTIA.

The 5 pairs of abdominal appendages often reduced or absent, never

used for swimming. (See Borradaile, 1907.)

BRACHYURA.

Key to the Divisions (Tribes, Subtribes).

I. Mouth-frame (buccal cavity) more or less quadrate

(figs. 1-3, 37).

A. Last pair of legs normal, rarely reduced, and

only exceptionally dorsal in _ position.

Female genital openings sternal. Ist

pleopod 2 absent. Gills few . : Brachygnatha, p. 9.

1. Carapace triangular, narrowed in tent;

usually a distinct rostrum (figs. 1-15).

Orbits generally incomplete . . Oxyrhyncha, p. 9.

2. Carapace broad in front, rostrum reduced

or wanting (figs. 16-52). Orbits well

developed (figs. 22, 37, 45) ; . Brachyrhyncha, p. 75.

B. Last pair of legs modified, situated dorsally.

Female genital openings coxal. Ist

pleopod @ present. Gills usually

numerous . : : , : . Dromiacea, p. 305.

II. Mouth-frame (buccal cavity) triangular (figs. 66-68,

71). Last pair of legs normal or modified. Ist

pleopod @ absent. Gills few.

A. Posterior thoracic sternites broad (bases of

walking legs far apart). Last pair of legs

normal in position, or last two pairs dorsal.

Female genital openings sternal (except in

Cyclodorippinae) . : Oxystomata, p. 345.

B. Posterior thoracic sternites narrow, Reel: like

(bases of 2nd—4th legs close together).

Last pair of legs dorsal in position. Female

genital openings coxal . : : . Gymnopleura, p. 396.

BRACHYGNATHA.

OXYRHYNCHA. SPIDER-CRABS.

1903. Borradaile, F. Geogr. Mald. Laccad. Archip., ii, p. 681 (key

to families).

1907. Id., Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), xix, p. 480 (key to families).

10 Annals of the South African Museum.

1910. Stebbing, Gen. Cat. 8. Afr. Crust., p. 283.

1925. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 129, pp. 1-613, pls. and

text-figs. (American species).

1929. Balss, Decap. Rot. Meer. “Pola” Ergebn., xxxvi, Denkschr.

Ak. Wiss. Wien. Math. Naturw. K1., cii, pp. 1-30 figs. (classification).

Carapace more or less triangular and narrowed in front, usually

produced to form a rostrum. Epistome usually large; buccal cavity

quadrate, its anterior margin generally straight. Orbits mostly

incomplete. Ist antennae (antennules) folded longitudinally. Female

genital openings on sternite of 3rd (7.e. 2nd walking) legs; male

openings on coxae of last legs (except in Hymenosomatidae where they

are sternal).

Remarks.—The most notable feature of the great majority of the

Spider-crabs is the presence of hooked setae or bristles, by means of

which various extraneous substances such as seaweeds, hydroids,

sponges, ascidians, polyzoans, etc. are affixed to the carapace and often

also the legs, thus affording a very effective concealment (fig. 1).

Key to the Families.

I. Carapace not flat, integument not thin. Chelipeds

mobile or powerful with bent fingers. Male

genital openings on the 5th coxae.

A. Basal joint of ant. 2 well developed, occupying

all the space between socket of ant. 1 and

eye (figs. 1, 2, 3, 7, b), generally fused with

epistome and sometimes also with side of

rostrum. Chelipeds usually not vastly

larger than other legs.

1. Basal joint of ant. 2 slender (figs. 1, 2, 3).

Orbits not defined. Eye-stalks

usually long, non-retractile, or re-

tractile against sides of carapace . Inachidae, p. 11.

2. Basal joint of ant. 2 stout (fig. 7, 0).

a. Orbits not defined. Eye-stalks very

short or obsolescent, concealed

beneath a supra-ocular spine or

sunk in sides of the large beak-

like rostrum. Basal joint of

ant. 2 truncate-triangular (fig.

cach ee 5 ; : . Acanthonychidae, p. 35.

b. Orbits partly defined. Post-ocular

process always present, hollowed

for reception of the short eye-

stalks (figs. 11, 12) . : . Blastidae, p. 48.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea.

c. Eye-stalks long or short, retractile

into distinctly defined orbits

(fie 13; °0;"¢).. ¢ : . Mamaiidae, p. 58.

B. Basal joint of ant. 2 very small, not fused

with epistome or front. Chelipeds usually

much longer and more massive than other

legs (fig. 14) . { ; : ‘

II. Carapace flat, integument thin (fig. 15). Chelipeds

not long or specially mobile or with bent fingers.

Male genital openings on the last thoracic

sternite ; e : 5 : : . Hymenosomatidae, p. 66.

| Famity INACHIDAE.

1910. Stebbing, /. c., p. 283.

The chief characteristic of this family as opposed to the other

Parthenopidae, p. 63.

Oxyrhynch families is the slender basal joint of antenna 2.

Key to the South African Genera.

I. Peduncle of ant. 2 composed of 2 movable joints and a

basal immovable joint which is proximally fused with

epistome, without distinct suture. Antennal glands

more or less distant from the apparent base of ant. 2

(figs. 1, 2, 3). Eyes more or less dumbbell shaped,

proximal part of stalk wider than distal part, and

cornea more or less enlarged (figs. 1-5).

A. Eye-stalks strongly curved. Free joints of peduncle

of ant. 2 densely hairy. Sockets of lst antennae

coalesced into a single cavity (fig. 1)

B. Eye-stalks nearly straight. Free joints of peduncle

of ant. 2 not densely hairy. Sockets of Ist

antennae separate (fig. 2).

1. Eyes projecting, non-retractile. No _ post-

ocular tooth. Lower surface of basal joint

of ant. 2 convex, smooth or with one or

more spines (figs. 2, 3).

a. Rostrum of 2 more or less elongate and

contiguous spines (fig. 2) . 5

6b. Rostrum shortly bilobed or bifid (fig. 3) .

2. Eyes retractile. Post-ocular tooth present.

Lower surface of basal joint of ant. 2

channelled between 2 rows of spinules

(fig. 4).

a. 2nd leg not markedly longer than others.

Post-ocular tooth spiniform, not

hollowed ; é ; :

6. 2nd leg markedly stronger and longer than

others. Post-ocular tooth hollowed .

Camposcia.

Macropodia.

Achaeus.

Achaeopsis.

Inachus.

12 Annals of the South African Museum.

II. Peduncle of ant. 2 composed of 3 joints, the basal one of

which has a distinct suture at junction with epistome

and is more or less freely movable. Antennal glands

immediately at base of ant. 2 (fig. 6, 5).

A. Margin of buccal cavity close behind antennal glands

(fig. 6, b). Cornea distinctly wider than eye-

stalk.

1. Inter-antennular spine very large, project-

horizontally, rostrum thus appearing tri-

spinose. Eye-stalk short, stout, cornea

globular (fig. 6, a) . : . Platymaia.

. Inter-antennular spine not very es dafiesed

Eye-stalk more or less slender, cornea

ovoid (fig.6,d) : . Cyrtomaa.

B. Margin of buccal cavity some dligtanos pehind

antennal glands. Cornea very little wider than

eye-stalk : : : : : . Pleistacantha.

Gen. Camposcia Latr.

1895. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxiv, p. 184.

Carapace pyriform. Rostrum broad, very short, apically indented.

A post-ocular tooth. Eye-stalks strongly curved, cornea oblique and

not dilated. Sockets of ist antennae coalesced to form a single

cavity. Basal joint of ant. 2 fused to epistome, antennal gland

rather near its base, the 2 free peduncular joints flattened and densely

hairy. 4th joint of 3rd maxilliped narrower than 3rd, inner apical

corner of latter produced, palp moderate. Chelipeds slender, legs

long. Abdomen in both sexes with 7 segments, in ¢ almost as broad

asin 2, covering the greater part of sternum.

Camposcia retusa Latr.

iol.

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 784.

1895. Alcock, l. c., p. 184 (references).

1918. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 48.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., , p. 71.

Carapace, chelipeds, and especially the legs densely covered with

hooked setae and bristles.

Length of carapace up to 40 mm., breadth 27 mm. The hairy

covering more or less reddish.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 13

Localities.—Durban (Stebbing); Delagoa Bay (8S. Afr. Mus.);

Mozambique (Hilgendorf, Miers).

Distribution.—Mauritius; Ibo, Portuguese Hast Africa; Chagos;

Indo-Pacific.

Fic. 1.—Camposcia retusa Latr. Lower surface of rostrum, Ist antenne

removed from socket a,.f. a,, 2nd antenna. a.g., antennal gland. 6.c., buccal

cavity. Upper surface of carapace, left side cleaned, right side with hairs and

pieces of seaweed.

Gen. Macroropia Leach

1899. M. Edwards and Bouvier, Res. Sci. Camp. Monaco, xiii,

p. 47 (Stenorhynchus non Lam.) (key to N. Atlantic species).

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 284.

1911. Rathbun, Tr. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 242.

1927. Lebour, J. Mar. Biol. Assoc. Plym., n.s., xiv, p. 806, figs.

(larval stages).

Carapace pyriform or triangular, with distinct “neck” (especially

in g) behind the projecting, non-retractile eyes. Rostrum elongate

(usually), of two slender contiguous spines. Cornea oblique, with

apical tubercle or seta. Abdomen with 6 segments in both sexes.

Chelipeds considerably larger in $ than in 9; legs very long and

slender.

Remarks.—A genus with several very closely allied species. Steno-

rhynchus Lam. has a simple spiniform rostrum (Rathbun, 1925, I. c.,

pp. 11, 18).

S. seticornis (Herbst) (=sagittarius Fabr.) has been recorded by

Odhner from Port Alexander (Medd. Géteb. Mus., xxxi, p. 19).

Key to the South African Species.

1. Outer rims of antennular sockets not splayed outwards.

No spines on basal joint of ant. 2. Rostrum short

(fig. 2,a@) ; ; ; c . rostrata.

14 Annals of the South African Museum.

2. Outer rims of antennular sockets splayed outwards, partly

covering basal joint of ant. 2 (fig. 2, 6, 9).

a. Rostrum very long. Basal joint of ant. 2 with one

spine. Dactyls of 4th and 5th legs with spines

along whole inner margin . : ; :

b. Rostrum short. Basal joint of ant. 2 without or with

2 spines. Dactyls of 4th and 5th legs with spines

only on proximal half of inner margin : . formosa and var.

falcifera.

Macropodia rostrata (Linn.)

European Long-legged Spider-crab.

Fig. 2, a.

1849. Cuvier, Régne Anim. Crust., pl. 35, figs. 3, 3, a—g (Steno-

rhynchus phalangium).

1853. Bell, Brit. Stalk-eyed Crust., p. 2, fig. (S. phalangium).

1899. M. Edwards and Bouvier, lJ. c., pp. 48, 49 (S. rostratus).

1904. Doflein, Wiss. Erg. D. Tiefsee Exp., vi, p. 69 (S. rostratus).

1908. Lagerberg, Goteb. Vet. Samh. Hand. (4), xi, p. 82.

1914. Lenz and Strunck, D. Siidpol. Exp., xv, p. 272 (S. rostratus).

1922. Bouvier, Res. Sci. Camp. Monaco, lxu, p. 78, pl. 5, figs. 6-8

(S. rostratus).

1923. Odhner, Medd. Géteb. Mus., xxxi, p. 18.

Rostrum short, not reaching beyond last peduncular joint of ant. 2.

Outer rims of antennular sockets not splayed outwards. Epistome

and basal joint of ant. 2 without spines or tubercles (Bell: a very

minute tubercle on epistome in front of antennal gland). 4th joint

of 3rd maxilliped oval, subequal to 3rd joint (excluding internal

process of latter). Basal joint of ant. 1 with a few spinules near

insertion of 2nd joint. Cornea with apical seta. Dactyls of 4th and

5th legs with about 12-15 recurved spines concealed in fur along

whole length of inner margin. Sternum of ¢ with a few inconspicuous

tubercles as in falccfera.

Length (incl. rostrum), g 17 mm., 9 12 mm.; breadth, ¢ 10 mm.,

29mm., cheliped 926mm. Pink or reddish, chelipeds and legs often

darker red.

Locality. —Simon’s Bay (Lenz and Strunck).

Distribution.—N. Atlantic and Mediterranean, to Madeira, Canaries,

Cape Verdes, Senegal, and off mouth of Congo R.; Port Alexander,

Angola. O-108 metres.

Remarks.—The single record from Simon’s Bay (part of False Bay),

albeit based on several specimens, might perhaps have been regarded

Fie. 2.—Macropodia rostrata (Linn.). a, ventral surface of rostrum.

Macropodia falcifera (Stimpson). 6, ventral surface of rostrum g. c, sternum 3

between chelipeds. d, dactyl of 4th or 5th leg (some of the setae on apex of

6th joint omitted). e, apex of 4th joint of 2nd leg. ff, lst pleopod @.

Macropodia formosa Rathbun. g, dactyl of 4th or 5th leg. h, apex of 4th joint

of 2nd leg. 7, 1st pleopod ¢.

Macropodia formosa var. (S. Afr. Mus., No. Al412). Jj, ventral surface of rostrum 9.

(In a, 6, j only the basal joint of Ist antenna is indicated.)

16 Annals of the South African Museum.

as due to transportation by ships, because the Preter Faure obtained

no examples during the course of a fairly intensive survey of False

Bay. Recently (1946), however, the University of Cape Town

Ecological Survey, under Professor J. H. O. Day, has rediscovered

this species in False Bay, 4-15 fathoms; also found in Knysna harbour

(1947).

Macropodia falcifera (Stimpson)

Cape Long-legged Spider-crab.

Fig. 2, b-f.

1910. Stebbing, l. ¢., p. 284.

1913. Balss, Schultze Reise Stidafr., v, p. 109.

1914. Lenz and Strunck, /. c., p. 273 (Stenorhynchus f.).

1923. Odhner, l. ¢., p. 26.

Rostrum very long, extending well beyond end of peduncle, usually

to end of flagellum, of ant. 2. Carapace with a single large erect spine

on the gastric and one on the cardiac region, and smaller spines

or tubercles on the other regions. Outer rims of antennular sockets

splayed outwards, sometimes minutely denticulate. Two small

tubercles on posterior rim of sockets, one at base of ant. 2 (usually

present in g, usually absent in @) and one in front of antennal gland.

Cornea with apical setiferous tubercle. Basal joint of ant. 1 with 2-3

minute tubercles. Basal joint of ant. 2 with a single spine in middle

of its ventral margin. 4th joint of 3rd maxilliped oval, subequal to

3rd joint (excluding inner projection of latter). Cheliped covered

with short thick fur, with longer bristles, the joints spinose along upper

and lower margins, a strong spine on outer apex of 4th joint, finger and

thumb channelled externally, in 2 inner margins denticulate and

contiguous, in g with large gap proximally, each with a squarish tooth

at base, apically denticulate and contiguous. 2nd—5th legs with

curled hairs and straight bristles, a spinous process at apex of 4th

joint, usually trifid in 2nd leg, trifid or bifid in 3rd and 4th, bifid or

simple in 5th leg; dactyls of 2nd and 3rd legs elongate, nearly straight,

with short bristles, of 4th and 5th legs shghtly, sometimes strongly

falcate, with about 12-15 recurved spines concealed in short fur along

whole length of inner margin; apex of 6th joint of 4th and 5th legs

expanded, with a brush of stiff bristles on inner side. Sternum of

3 with 2 tubercles, often bifid, or with subsidiary denticles, between

bases of chelipeds, and several smaller ones on the lateral portions

of the following segments.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 17

Length (incl. rostrum), ¢ 25 mm., 9 20 mm.; breadth, ¢ 13 mm.,

210 mm.; cheliped § 46 mm., 2 22 mm., longest leg ¢ 82 mm.,

2 56 mm. Brick-red (Stimpson); cream, pinkish, or reddish, the

chelipeds and legs often deeper red.

Localities—Simon’s Bay (Stimpson, Miers, Balss, Lenz and

Strunck); St. Francis and Plettenberg Bays, Agulhas Bank (Doflein);

Agulhas Bank (Odhner); False Bay and Agulhas Bank eastwards to

East London, 17-53 fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.).

Remarks.—A strongly falcate dactyl on the 4th or 5th legs is

regarded by Bouvier (I. c.) as a variation, but in the genus Achaeus

it is given specific value (Alcock, 1895). Of 36 specimens of this

species not one has strengly falcate dactyls.

This species is common on the Agulhas Bank, extending to about

East London, whence northwards its place is taken by formosa.

At one station, 32° 53’ 8., 28° 11’ E., two specimens of falcifera and

one of formosa were taken by the Pieter Faure in the same haul.

Macropodia formosa Rathbun

Fig. 2, g-.

1911. Rathbun, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 242, fig. 1.

1926. Barnard, Trans. Roy. Soc. 8. Afr., xii, p. 120.

Rostrum short, not extending to end of last joint of ant. 2.

Carapace as in falcifera. Outer rims of antennular sockets splayed

outwards; 2 minute tubercles on posterior rim. A small tubercle

in front of antennal gland. Cornea with apical tubercle. Basal

jot of ant. 2 quite smooth. Basal joint of ant. 1 with minute

tubercles. 4th joint of 3rd maxilliped oval, subequal to 3rd joint.

Cheliped as in falczfera, but less strongly spinose. Apices of 4th joints

of legs with 3 small spines on 2nd and 3rd, 2 or one (very small) on

4th and 5th legs. Dactyls of 4th and 5th legs slightly falcate (9),

with a dozen or more recurved spines concealed in short fur on proximal

half of inner margin, distal half smooth and glabrous; in ¢ much

more slender, with fewer and less conspicuous spines on proximal

third of inner margin. Inner apices of 6th joint of 4th and 5th legs

with brush of stiff-bristles.

Length, g 12 mm., 9 14 mm.; breadth,g 7mm.,2?10 mm. One

young §, which is unusually free from encrusting hydroids, etc., is

pale biscuit colour, with a sienna-brown lateral stripe extending from

base of 5rd leg to eye and along side of rostrum, peduncle and flagellum '

VOL. XXXVIII. 2

18 Annals of the South African Museum.

of antenna 2 also brown; chelipeds and legs faintly pinkish. Other

specimens, as far as the carapace is visible, are uniformly drab or

greyish.

Localities —Delagoa Bay (Barnard, 1 2 1912; also coll. van der

Horst, 2 43, 1 ovig. 9 1939); off Hast London, and Tugela River,

Natal, 24-41 fathoms, 2 99 (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Cargados Carajos (between Mauritius and Seychelles).

Remarks.—These specimens are assigned to formosa mainly on

geographical reasons. The original description does not mention the

basal joints of either antenna | or 2, nor the flange of the antennular

sockets, nor the armature of the dactyls of 4th and 5th legs. The

apices of 4th joints of 2nd—5th legs each have a single, apparently

well-developed spine (cf. Rathbun’s figure).

Two 99, 13x10 and 15x11-5 mm., differ from the above 99 in

having 2 strong spines on basal joint of antenna 2, and the outer

apex of the same joint somewhat spiniform (fig. 2, 7) (S. Afr. Mus.,

No. A1412).

Locality. Off Tugela River, Natal, 36 fathoms.

Gen. ACHAEUS Leach

1886. Miers, Challenger Rep., xvu, p. 8.

1895. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxiv, p. 169.

1902. de Man, Abh. Senckenberg. Ges., xxv, p. 654.

1911. Rathbun, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 244.

1929, Balss, 1. ¢.,\p: 5:

Differs from Macropodia only in having a very short bifid or bilobed

rostrum. The dactyls of 4th and 5th legs are, in some species, rather

strongly falcate.

Key to the South African Species.

1. Peduncle of ant. 2 smooth or with minute denticles.

a. Dactyls of 4th and 5th legs faleate, inner margins

spinulose.

i. Carapace quite smooth. LEye-stalk without

tubercle on front margin . : : . lacertosus.

ii, Carapace with slight elevation on cardiac region.

Kye-stalk with strong tubercle on front

margin . : ‘ ; : : . affinis.

b. Dactyls of 4th and 5th legs nearly straight, inner

margins smooth. EHye-stalk without tubercle.

Carapace tuberculate : ; : ; . laevioculis.

)

Peduncle of ant. 2 strongly spinose , : . lorina.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 19

Achaeus lacertosus Stimpson

Fig. 3, a, b.

1857. Stimpson, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., p. 218.

1884. Miers, Zool. “Alert,” p. 188.

1895. Alcock, tl. c., p. 172.

1907. Stimpson (ed. Rathbun), Smithson. Misc. Coll., xlix, p. 20,

plo, fig. 1.

1945. Stephensen, Dan. Sci. Invest. Iran, pt. 4, p. 98, fig. 18, C

(lp. I, 3):

Rostrum short, bilobed, upper surface with 2 longitudinal ridges.

Supra-ocular ridge smooth. Carapace quite smooth, but the regions

fairly well defined. Hepatic region with a blunt horizontal laminar

tooth. Basaljoint ofant.2smooth. Inter-antennular tooth obsolete.

Kye-stalks not very stout, without tubercle on front margin. Cheliped

with 4th joint considerably swollen, finger and thumb not gaping at

base. 4th joint of 2nd—5th legs without apical spines. Dactyls of

4th and 5th legs very strongly falcate (semicircular), inner margins

with recurved spinules. Sternum of ¢ as figured for affines (fig. 3, f).

Length 6 mm., breadth 4 mm. Dark yellowish or brownish, a

red ring around middle of finger and thumb of chelipeds.

Localities.—Durban Bay (S. Afr. Mus.); Delagoa Bay (coll. van der

Horst).

Distribution.—New South Wales and N. Australia; Indian Seas and

Andaman Islands; Persian Gulf.

Remarks.—The 1st pleopod of g$ seems to be unusual in that the

apex curves inwards towards its fellow, instead of outwards; all three

SS were alike in this respect.

Achaeus cf. affinis Miers

iis: 3, d—f.

1884. Miers, Zool. “Alert,” p. 188.

1893. Henderson, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., v, p. 341.

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 37.

i395" Alcock, 1.6. p) lize |

1905. Nobili, Boll. Mus. Zool. Univ. Torino, xx, no. 506, p. 7.

1931. Chopra, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxiii, p. 323.

Rostrum very short, scarcely extending beyond apex of 2nd joint

of ant. 2, very shortly bifid. Carapace uneven, but the regions

20 Annals of the South African Museum.

not very well defined; gastric region convex but not tuberculate;

cardiac region with a low elevation bearing 2 minute setiferous

tubercles. Outer rims of antennular sockets splayed outwards

distally. Tubercles on posterior rim of sockets very minute or

obsolete. A minute tubercle in front of antennal gland. Tooth on

the inter-antennular septum short and blunt, not spiniform. No

spine (or a very minute one) on upper margin of orbit. Cornea with

apical tubercle, a conspicuous setiferous tubercle on front margin of

stalk, largerin 9 thanin g. Basal joint of ant. 1 with several minute

tubercles. Basal joint of ant. 2 with 2-3 minute tubercles, better

developed in 2 than in g, 2nd joint also with 2-3 tubercles, one of

which is almost spiniform. 38rd and 4th joints of 3rd maxilliped

subequal in length, feebly setose, both with 2 rows of rather con-

spicuous spinules. Cheliped not furry, or only feebly so, feebly

spinose, no strong spine at outer apex of 4th joint, finger and thumb as

in M. falcifera, but in 3 the finger has 2 conical teeth in the gap. 4th

joints of 2nd—5th legs without spines, only bristles, at their apices;

dactyls of 4th and 5th legs about half length of 6th joint, strongly

falcate, with 7-8 recurved spines concealed in fur along the whole

length of inner margin, the apical one immediately next the unguis.

Sternum of g with prominent flanges at bases of chelipeds, and a

crescentic, denticulate ridge between them. Ist pleopod ¢ resembling

that of M. falcifera (fig. 2, f).

Length, 39 mm., 275 mm.; breadth, ¢2 5-5 mm.

Locality.— Off Cape Morgan, 36 fathoms, 3 3g, 1 ovig. @ (S. Afr.

Mus.). i

Distribution.— Australia; Malay Archipelago; Burma; Andaman

Is.; Zanzibar.

Remarks.—These four specimens are very close to, if not actually

identical with, affinis; Miers says the cardiac prominence is usually

very much elevated, which it is not in these specimens. In one ¢ the

rostrum is much blunter, almost truncate, with a short slit. Possibly

these specimens are brevifalcatus Rathbun 1911, from the Seychelles.

Achaeus cf. laevioculis Miers

Big. 3, c,

1884. Miers, Zool. * Alert,” p. 520, pl. 46, fig. A.

tostrum very short, not extending beyond apex of 2nd joint of

ant. 2, in two of the specimens with slight apical notch and on dorsal

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 21

Fie. 3.—Achaeus lacertosus Stimpson. a, rostrum ¢. 6, ventral view of left

Ist pleopod ¢ (curves inwards towards its fellow).

Achaeus cf. laevioculis Miers. c, rostrum 9.

Achaeus cf. affinis Miers. d, ventral surface of rostrum ¢. e, dactyl of 4th or

5th leg (some setae on apex of 6th joint omitted). f, sternum ¢ between chelipeds.

Achaeus cf. lorina (Ad. & White). g, ventral surface of rostrum ¢.

(In d and g only basal joint of 1st antenna indicated.)

22 Annals of the South African Museum.

surface a submarginal row of minute denticles, in the 3rd specimen

this denticulate ridge forms the anterior rounded margin of rostrum.

Supra-ocular ridge minutely denticulate. Carapace with 3 tubercles

on gastric region, 2 on each branchial region, and a double tubercle on

cardiac region, with (in 2 specimens) a single median smaller tubercle

behind it; hepatic region with a blunt horizontal tubercle. Basal

joint of ant. 2 feebly denticulate. Interantennular tooth obsolete.

Eye-stalks stout, without tubercle on front margin, apex of cornea

rounded, with very feeble denticle. 4th joints of 2nd—5th legs without

apical spines. Dactyls of 4th and 5th legs nearly straight, inner

margins smooth.

Length 7 mm., breadth 6 mm.

Locality. Off Port Shepstone, Natal, 24 fathoms, 3 ovig. 99

(S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Seychelles, 4-12 fathoms.

Remarks.—These specimens appear to be nearest to this species

which was described from a 4, the figure of which shows better marked

indents behind the eyes and the hepatic regions, and also longer legs.

Achaeus cf. lorina (Adams & White)

Fig. 3, g.

1848. Adams and White, Zool. ““Samarang,” Crust., p. 3, pl. 2,

fig. 2 (Inachus 1.).

1886. Miers, Challenger Rep., xvii, p. 10.

1900. Lanchester, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., p. 721.

1902. de Man, I. c., p. 654.

1911. Rathbun, l. c., p. 244.

Rostrum short, ending in two short contiguous points, dorsally

with slight median groove. Supra-orbital ridge with strong spine.

No post-ocular constriction. Carapace with well-defined regions,

gastric region with 2 spines antero-laterally and one median posteriorly,

cardiac region with 1 median, branchial region with 1 spine anteriorly,

1 posteriorly, and a smaller one behind the latter and somewhat

nearer the middle line; several sharp spinules laterally on hepatic and

branchial regions; one spine on pterygostomial region at end of a

slight ridge from corner of buccal cavity; some small denticles on

sides of epistome, and one on hind margin of each antennular socket.

Inter-antennular tooth blunt, Basal joint of ant. 2 with 4 strong

spines, increasing in size distally, first free joint with 1 spine on outer

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 23

apex. Eye-stalks stout, a curved tubercle on antero-inferior apex

just before the cornea, and a small setiferous tubercle at apex of

cornea. Cheliped stout, 4th—6th joints swollen, with numerous spines

and denticles, finger and thumb gaping in basal half, each with a strong

basal tooth, distal margins (where they meet) denticulate. 4th joint

of 2nd—5th legs with a single conspicuous spine on apex, and also a

seta. Dactyls of 4th and 5th legs shghtly falcate, more so in 5th than

in 4th, inner margin with about 8 denticles, and a strong one next the

unguis; no brush of setae on inner apex of 6th jot. Dactyl of 3rd

leg also with a strong denticle next the unguis. Sternum of ¢ similar

to that figured for affinis, but the crescentic ridge not so well marked;

abdomen and sternites between abdomen and bases of legs denticuliite.

lst pleopod ¢ as in affinis (and M. falczfera).

Length 10 mm., breadth 8-5 mm.

Locality.—Off Hood Point (East London), 49 fathoms, 1 3 (S. Afr.

Mus.).

Distribution Philippine Is.; Singapore; East Indies; Amirante

and Seychelles.

Remarks.—Agrees in many respects with de Man’s description of

young ¢, except that the rostral points are not divergent. I have

not seen the original description and figure.

Gen. ACHAEOPSIS Stimpson

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 285 (and Dorynchus).

1914. Id., Trans. Roy. Soc. Edin., 50, p. 257.

1917. Id., Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xvii, p. 24.

1932. Sakai, Sci. Rep. Tokyo Zool. Inst., sect. B, no. 4.

Rostrum bispimose, better developed than in Achaeus. Inter-

antennular tooth strong. Eyes retractile, but the post-ocular tooth

is spiniform, not hollowed. Antennular sockets very large, excavated

in underside of rostral spies. Basal joint of ant. 2 ventrally

channelled between two rows of spinules. 4th joint of 3rd maxilliped

shorter than 3rd. Chelipeds much larger in $ than in Q, finger and

thumb in $ not gaping at base. Legs long and slender, dactyls nearly

straight.

Key to the South African Species.

1. Rostral spines relatively short, extending to end of peduncle

ofant.2. Spines at apices of 4th joints of 2nd—5th legs

minute or obsolete. Smaller, shallow-water species . spinulosus.

24 Annals of the South African Museum.

2. Rostral spines longer, extending distinctly beyond apex of

peduncle of ant. 2. Spines at apices of 4th joints of

2nd—5th legs well developed. Larger, deep-water

species . : :

: 5 : : thomsont.

A. giintheri is here transferred to the genus Inachus.

Achaeopsis spinulosus Stimpson

Vig. 4, a-c, e.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 285.

1921. Zd., Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xvii, p. 453.

Rostral spines rather short, extending to end of, or very slightly

beyond, apex of peduncle of ant. 2, slightly divergent and rather

widely separated proximally. A supra-ocular spine, occasionally

with a subsidiary spinule in front of or behind it. A strong erect

median spine on gastric region, and a stronger one on cardiac region;

a smaller tubercle or spine on antero-lateral portion of gastric region;

one on the branchial region and often another on the anterior branchial

region; lateral margin of branchial and hepatic regions each with 2-3

spinules. Eye-stalk with 1-2 minute spinules or tubercles in middle

of anterior surface, and one at anterior apex. 3rd and 4th joints of

3rd maxilliped with 2 rows of spinules, a strong spine on inner margin

of 4th joint. Cheliped in fully grown ¢ may be considerably enlarged,

hand inflated and longer than finger and thumb. 4th joint of 2nd—5th

legs may have 1-3 minute spinules at apex, but never conspicuous.

Dactyls of 4th and 5th legs with about 6 minute, widely spaced denticles

on inner margin, the largest immediately next the unguis. Sternum

§ with more or less denticulate flanges at bases of chelipeds, and a

slightly crescentic transverse ridge between them, on which are 2 erect

widely separated spines and a variable number of subsidiary spinules

or denticles, margin of the hollow in which the abdomen lies never

trilobate. 1st pleopod 3 strongly sigmoid, apex with a membranous

reflexed flap on ventral side.

Length, gd up to 12 mm., 910 mm.; breadth, $ 11 mm., 2 8-5 mm.;

length of cheliped, ¢ up to 85 mm. Pale brownish orange, chelipeds

of a deeper tint, margins of finger and thumb white.

Localities.—Simon’s Bay, 10-20 fathoms (Stimpson, Miers); off

Cape Recife, 52 fathoms, and off Port Shepstone, Natal, 24 fathoms

(Stebbing); off Cape Point, 80 fathoms, off Hout Bay, False Bay, and

Agulhas Bank to Durban, 23-100 fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.).

Remarks.—A large 3 (14x12 mm., cheliped 47 mm.) is labelled

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 25

‘“Hoets [sec] Bay 24/xi/97”; apparently intended for Hout Bay on

the west coast of the Cape Peninsula. This single record from the

west coast is linked up with the False Bay and Agulhas Bank records

by an even larger § (17 x 14 mm., but cheliped only 25 mm.) from off

Cape Point.

This species lives in shallower water than thomson. It has been

taken in association with I. gtintheri, from which it is distinguished by

the three gastric spines, the median one erect (not curving forwards),

and the simply concave margin of the sternal hollow in which the

abdomen lies.

Achaeopsis thomson. (Norman)

Fig. 4, d, e.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 286.

1911. Rathbun, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 247 (var.).

1914. Stebbing, Trans. Roy. Soc. Edin., 50, p. 258.

aii id. Non (Ss, Ate. Mus..xvii, p. 24, pl. 1 (Crust., pl. 90).

1918. Rathbun, Biol. Res. “Endeavour,” v, p. 4.

1924. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xix, p. 1.

1925. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 129, p. 29, fig. 7 (legs too

hairy), and pl. 10.

1927. Hale, Crust. S. Austral., pt. 1, p. 124, fig. 120 (legs too

hairy).

Very closely allied to spinulosus, but attaining a larger size, and

distinguished as follows: rostral spines longer, almost contiguous, or

subparallel, or slightly divergent distally, but always closer together

proximally than in spinulosus, and always extending distinctly (though

not far) beyond apex of peduncle of ant. 2. Subsidiary denticles

or spinules usually developed on sides or under surface of rostral

spines, and near some or all of the major spines on the carapace,

including the supra- and post-ocular spines; and the ridges from

bases of rostral spines to the inter-antennular tooth are almost always

denticulate. Basal joint of ant. 2 with distinct apical spine. The

spines of the g sternum, and on the 4th joints of 2nd—5th legs, are more

prominent. Ist pleopod g as in spinulosus.

Length up to $ 30 mm., 2 20 mm.; breadth, ¢ 21 mm., 9 14 mm.;

length of cheliped, ¢ 75 mm., 9 25 mm. Fingers and thumbs of

chelipeds with salmon-red spots, walking legs with wide bands cf same

colour but fainter. M. Edwards and Bouvier (1899, Res. Sci. Camp.

Monaco, xiii, p. 46, pl. 1, fig. 6) give a coloured figure showing the

26 Annals of the South African Museum.

whole animal orange-salmon, deeper in tint on the carapace and

chelipeds.

Localities.—Agulhas Bank, 150 fathoms (Miers); shallow water and

155 metres (Doflein); off Table Bay and Cape of Good Hope, 106-318

metres (Doflein); off Saldanha Bay and Cape Point, 166 fathoms

he

i

ys

Fig. 4.—Achaeopsis spinulosus Stimpson. a, carapace. 6, dactyl of 5th leg.

c, sternum ¢ between chelipeds.

Achaeopsis thomsoni (Norman). d, dorsal and ventral views of rostrum; in

latter only basal joint of ant. 1 is indicated, and flagellum of ant. 2 omitted. e, Ist

pleopod ¢ (similar in both species).

(Stebbing); off Saldanha Bay, Table Bay, and Cape Point, 95-210

fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Widely distributed in Atlantic and Indian Oceans, to

5. and $.E. Australia (see chart in Doflein, 1904, D. Tiefsee Exp., vi,

p. 273, fig. 61), from about 55 to over 1000 fathoms.

Remarks.—A common species on the Stock-fish grounds in the

moderately deep water off the south-west coast, associated with

Scyramathia hertwigi, and the Dromiid crabs Exodromidia spinosa

and hicornis.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 27

Gen. Inacuus Fabr.

1886. Miers, Challenger Rep., xvu, p. 19.

1899. M. Edwards and Bouvier, Res. Sci. Camp. Monaco, xiii,

p. 44 (key to N. Atlantic species).

1910. Stebbing, I. c.,p. 284.

@ 1911. Rathbun, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 247 (Pseudo-

collodes).

Rostrum short, bilobate. Eyes retractile, post-ocular tooth

hollowed. Basal joint of ant. 2 ventrally channelled between 2 rows

of spinules. Chelipeds much stronger in ¢ than in 9, finger and

thumb not gaping. Legs long and slender, the 2nd pair (Ist walking

legs) longer and stronger than the following pairs, all dactyls nearly

straight. Abdomen with 6 segments in both sexes.

Remarks.—A curious callosity is found on the sternum of the ¢ of

two European species and in both sexes of a third species.

Key to the South African Species.

1. A single gastric spine, much larger than the cardiac and

branchial spines. : 5 ‘ ;

2. A row of 4 small tubercles in front of the median gastric

spine, which is not much larger than the cardiac and

branchial spines. : : : : : . dorsettensis.

giintherv.

Inachus gitintheri (Miers)

Fig. 5, a-c.

1879. Miers, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5), iv, p. 2, pl. 4, fig. 1

(Achaeopsis g.).

OE Donem) D Mersee mix. vi,.p. 44, pl. 28, fiss. 2, 3

(1. antarcticus).

1910. Stebbing, U. ¢., p. 284 (I. antarcticus) and p. 285 (Achaeopsis

gtintherv).

1914. Lenz and Strunck, D. Stidpol. Exp., xv, p. 273, pl. 12, figs. 1-4

(I. antarcticus).

1923. Odhner, Medd. Goteb. Mus., xxxi, p. 26 (I. antarcticus).

Rostrum extending to about middle of last peduncular joint of

ant. 2. Inter-antennular tooth not prominent, often quite blunt and

inconspicuous. A small supra-ocular spinule, often very incon-

spicuous. A single large forwardly curving gastric spine; a small

28 Annals of the South African Museum. |

spine or tubercle on each branchial region and on the cardiac region,

the latter frequently with a low blunt transverse tubercle behind it.

Lateral margin of hepatic region variably spinulose. Eye-stalk with

Fic. 5.—Inachus giintheri (Miers). a, carapace. 6, sternum ¢ between chelipeds.

c, lst pleopod 3.

Inachus dorsettensis (Penn.). d, carapace. e, sternum ¢ between chelipeds.

2-3 setules on anterior apex, cornea subglobular. 4th joint of 3rd

maxilliped oval, subequal to 3rd joint (excl. internal projection).

A minute tubercle on posterior rim of each antennular socket, and

usually 2-3 small tubercles on margin between base of ant. 2 and

antennal gland. Cheliped in fully grown 3 with 4th and 6th joints

nearly straight and only slightly swollen, finger and thumb shorter

than rest of hand, each with one large tooth near base; in younger g

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 29

4th and 6th joints are more distinctly swcllen; 4th joint in 2 somewhat

curved. 2nd leg longer and stronger than 3rd—5th; dactyls of 4th

and 5th legs with several minute denticles on inner margin and a

stronger one (or two) distally. Sternum in ¢ with smooth-edged

flanges at bases of chelipeds, a blunt median tubercle anteriorly, and

a pair posteriorly, between the latter a more or less swollen and

polished area, hind margin more or less distinctly trilobate, over-

hanging a rather deep depression in which the apex of the abdomen

hes.

Length up to g2 19 mm., breadth 17 mm.; length of cheliped, ¢

48 mm.,2 24mm. Pale biscuit colour, eyes pale brown.

Localitues.—Cape (Miers); Agulhas Bank, 155 metres (Doflein);

Simon’s Bay (Lenz and Strunck); St. Sebastian Bay and Cape

Barracouda, 72 metres (Odhner); False Bay and Agulhas Bank to

Cape Natal (Durban), 10-100 fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.).

Remarks.—lt is remarkable that in spite of Miers’ figure of the

profile of this crab neither Doflein nor Lenz and Strunck recognized

the species. No specimens were apparently submitted to Stebbing.

There is considerable variation in the size of ovigerous 99, in the

development of the median boss on the trilobate hind margin of 3

sternum, and the transverse tubercle behind the cardiac spine; the

latter itself is sometimes double, 7.e. there are 2 small tubercles side

by side transversely.

As Doflein remarked the species appears to be closely allied to

leptochirus.

Inachus dorsettensis (Penn.)

Heed (Cz

1777. Pennant, Brit. Zool., iv, p. 12, pl. 10, fig. 1.

1853. Bell, Brit. Stalk-eyed Crust., p. 13, fig.

1894. M. Edwards and Bouvier, es: Sci. ae Monaco, vil, p. 6.

1899. Id., bed., xiii, pp. 45, 46.

1904. Tastee L Go; Denner

?1911. Rathbun, J. ¢., p. 248, pl. 20, fig. 4 (Pseudocollodes com-

plectens).

1920. Sobbing: Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 264, pl. 28, fig. A

(P. complectens, * non Rathbun).

1923. Odhner, Medd. Goteb. Mus., xxxi, p. 19.

1927. Lebour, J. Mar. Biol. Assoc. Plym., n.s., xiv, p. 802, figs.

(larval stages).

30 Annals of the South African Museum.

Rostral spines curving inwards at tips. Inter-antennular tooth

as a rule prominent, curving forwards. Carapace with an erect spine

on each of the gastric, cardiac, and branchial regions, a transverse

row of 4 tubercles in front of the gastric spine, a tubercle on the

anterior branchial region, variable denticles along lateral margins,

on hepatic region, and on supra-orbital ridge. 4th joint of 3rd

maxilliped slightly shorter than 3rd. In fully grown ¢ 4th and 6th

joints of cheliped somewhat swollen. Dactyls of 4th and 5th legs

usually with a few scattered denticles, the largest one near the unguis.

Sternum in ¢ with obliquely oval granulate swellings overhanging the

cavity in which the abdomen les. Ist pleopod similar to that of

giinthert but not so strongly curved outwards apically.

Length, $2 16 mm., breadth 14 mm.; cheliped, ¢ 27 mm.

Localities —Ofi Cape St. Blaize, 125 fathoms (Stebbing); Brown’s

Bank, 36° 40’ 8., 21° 26’ E., 80-100 fathoms, and off Cape Natal

(Durban), 54-62 fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Eastern Atlantic from Norway to Cape Verde Is.;

Mediterranean; Port Alexander, Angola. ? Seychelles.

Remarks.—The validity of the genus Pseudocollodes seems doubtful,

even if the species complectens, the 3 sternum of which is not described,

is not conspecific with dersettensis. Although Stebbing did not

recognize the one specimen (3), which was sent to him, as the Kuropean

species, I have no hesitation in assigning the South African specimens

to dorsettensis, whose distribution has already been recorded as far

south as 16° 8. by Odhner. I have examined Stebbing’s specimen

and 55 others.

P. complectens is recorded from the Seychelles.

Balss (1929, l. c., p. 4) retains the genus, and adds another species,

demani, from Japan.

Gen. PuatymatraA Miers

1904. Doflein, D. Tiefsee Exp., vi, pp. 59, 160, 185, 271.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 286.

1916. Rathbun, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 50, pp. 529 sqq.

1918. Id., Biol. Res. “Endeavour,” v, p. 7.

Carapace suborbicular or subtriangular. Rostrum trispinose, the

large inter-antennular spine forming the median spine and projecting

horizontally forwards. Hye-stalks short, stout, cornea large, sub-

globular. Basal joint of ant. 2 cylindrical, freely movable. Chelipeds

in g elongate. Legs very long and slender, 2nd pair strongly spinose,

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 31

6th and 7th joints of 3rd—5th pairs, or 4th and 5th pairs, flattened,

more or less oar-like, thickly fringed with setae on front and hind

margins. Abdomen of 7 segments in both sexes.

Remarks.—Three species are now recognized from the Indo-

Australian and south-east African regions, and three others (Rathbun,

1916) from the Philippines and Hast Indies.

Platymaia turbyner Stebb.

Fig. 6, a-c.

1902. Stebbing, Mar. Invest. 8. Afr., 11, p. 3, pl. 5.

1910. Id., l. c., p. 286 (wyville-thomsoni, non Miers).

1918. Rathbun, l. c., p. 9.

1920. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xvu, p. 232.

1923. Id., Fish. Mar. Biol. Surv. Rep. i, Spec. Rep. 3, p. 1, pl. 10.

1926. Barnard, Trans. Roy. Soc. 8. Afr., xii, p. 120 (wyville-

thomson, non Miers).

(Not fully adult.) Rostrum with lower median spine much more

prominent than the true rostral spines. Carapace distinctly triangular

in general shape, hind margin broadly rounded; length slightly

greater than breadth, and spines equally well developed in the largest

as in the smallest specimens available (cf. Stebbing, 1902, pl. 5);

inner margin of orbit without any spines; cornea not reaching to the

largest spine on hepatic region, which thus can scarcely be described

as a post-ocular spine; branchial regions well separated medio-

dorsally. A blunt denticulate tooth at outer angle of buccal cavity.

Basal joint of ant. 2 with 1-2 spines on lower apex, and a variable

number along lower margin. Cheliped with palm of hand not longer

than finger or thumb in either sex. Fringes of setae on 6th joints of

4th and 5th legs along lower front margin and the upper hind margin;

this jot narrow throughout its whole length.

Length (smallest and largest) 15-34 mm., breadth 13-26 mm.

Stebbing (1923) had smaller specimens. Pale salmon or orange, legs

with broad bands of orange.

Localities —Off Cape Natal (Durban), 440 fathoms (Stebbing);

off Cape Natal, 440 fathoms, and off Kast London, 400 fathoms (8. Afr.

Mus.); off Delagoa Bay (26° 3’ S., 33° 4’ E.), 290 metres (Barnard).

Remarks.—As Miss Rathbun has shown (1918), it is difficult to

identify turbyner with the Hast African and Indian Ocean form

described by Doflein, who ignored both the size and the morphological

peculiarities of Stebbing’s species. As regards the structure and

32 Annals of the South African Museum.

proportions of the walking legs the present specimens correspond

with what Doflein called Stage 1, whereas in size they correspond with

Stage 4.

No adult of twrbynei is known, so it is impossible to say whether the

chelipeds and legs undergo changes similar to those which have been

illustrated by Doflein for the species now known as alcocki Rathbun.

Fic. 6.—Platymaia turbynei Stebb. a, 6, dorsal and ventral views of anterior

part of carapace. In a right eye, in 6 left eye removed to show orbit (0); in 6

inter-antennular spine foreshortened in perspective. c, 1st pleopod ¢ (not fully

adult).

Cyrtomaia murrayi Miers. d, dorsal view of anterior part of carapace.

Pleistacantha moseleyi (Miers). e, dorsal view of anterior part of carapace.

(e nat. size, other figures enlarged.)

In the Ist pleopod g the margins of the seminal channel are separate

throughout the whole length of the appendage (fig. 6, c).

The Delagoa Bay specimen was compared with the Natal examples

at the time, but, being no longer in my hands, is not available for

re-examination, (See Addenda.)

Gen. CyrromaAtA Miers

1886. Miers, Challenger Rep., xvii, p. 14.

1893. Rathbun, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., xvi, p. 228 (publ. July 1893).

;

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 33

1899. Alcock, Deep-sea Brachyura “‘Investigator,”’ p. 44.

1904. Doflein, D. Tiefsee Exp., vi, pp. 53, 158, 184, 190, 271.

1916. Rathbun, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 50, pp. 532, sqq.

1918. Id., Biol. Res. “‘ Endeavour,” v, p. 4.

£929. Balss, t.'¢., p..3-

Carapace broader than long, very convex. Rostrum bispinose, the

inter-antennular spine not greatly exceeding the 2 rostral spines and

not projecting horizontally forwards. Two very long spines on gastric

region. Hye-stalks not so stout as in Platymaia, cornea ovoid, with

apical tubercle. Basal joint of ant. 2 cylindrical, not fixed distally

to side of rostrum, but scarcely (if at all) movable. Chelipeds in ¢

elongate. Legs very long and slender, 2nd pair spinose, 6th and 7th

joints of hinder pairs sometimes fringed with setae. Abdomen of

7 segments in both sexes.

Remarks.—Five or six species from the Indo-Pacific and Australian

regions.

Cyrtomaia murrayt Miers

Hig. 6, d.

1886. Miers, I. c., p. 15, pl. 3, fig. 1.

1926. Barnard, Trans. Roy. Soc. 8. Afr., xiii, p. 120.

Carapace with irregularly scattered granules; the 2 long gastric

spines slightly divergent, 2 small median spines behind them; the

anterior branchial spine larger than the posterior one; cardiac region

with 2 prominences each with 2 tubercles, the hinder one slightly the

larger; a small median spine on hind margin; lateral margins and

hepatic regions with several small spines and tubercles. The largest

hepatic spine forms the post-ocular spine; between it and the spine

above insertion of eye-stalk is a small denticle lying just outside the

orbit. Basal joint of ant. 2 with 2 spines distally and 2 others

proximally, 2nd and 3rd joints cylindrical, non-spinose. Hye-stalks

rather slender. 4th leg with 6th and 7th joints flattened and fringed

with setae (chelipeds and other legs lost).

Length 15 mm., breadth 18 mm.

Locality.—Off coast of Portuguese Hast Africa (Barnard).

Distribution.—EKast Indies, 140 fathoms.

Remarks.—Only a single ovigerous 2 was captured. Although

Doflein described a species or subspecies (platyceros) from farther up

the Hast coast of Africa, the present specimen agrees with murrayz in

the spination and fringed 4th leg.

VOL. XXXVIIE- 3

34 Annals of the South African Museum.

Gen. PLEISTACANTHA Miers

1879. Miers, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., p. 24, and J. Linn. Soc. Lond.,

xiv, p. 646.

1881. M. Edwards, C.R. Ac. Sci. Paris, xcii (Lrgasticus).

1886. Miers, Challenger Rep., xvi, p. 29 (Hrgasticus) and p. 31

(Echinoplaz).

1894. M. Edwards and Bouvier, Res. Sci..Camp. Monaco, vii, p. 9

(Lrgasticus).

1895. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxiv, p. 178 (Echinoplaz).

1899. Id., Deep-sea Brachyura “Investigator,” p. 42 (Echinoplaz).

1904. Doflein, D. Tiefsee Exp., vi, p. 76.

1922. Bouvier, Res. Sci. Camp. Monaco, Ixii, p. 80.

Carapace triangular, longer than broad, with very numerous, not

very long, spines and tubercles. Rostrum bispinose, with subsidiary

spines, the inter-antennular spine simple or bifid, projecting ventrally.

Eye-stalks stout, cornea subglobular. Basal joint of ant. 2 cylindrical,

not fused distally with side of rostrum, but scarcely if at all movable,

not, or only partially, visible in dorsal view. Chelipeds in ¢ longer

than in 9. Legs moderately long, 2nd pair longest, all legs spinose,

with spinose and furry dactyls. Abdomen of 7 segments in both

sexes.

Remarks.—Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Indo-Pacific.

Pleistacantha moseleyi (Miers)

Hig: 6, @:

1886. Miers, l. c., p. 32, pl. 4, figs. 2, 2, a—c.

1891. Wood-Mason and Alcock, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), vii, p. 259

(pungens).

1896 and 1899. Alcock, Illustr. Zool. “Investigator,” pl. 17, fig. 1

(2), and pl. 39 (g) (pungens).

1904. Doflein, I. c., p. 76, pl. 24, figs. 5, 6, pls. 25, 26.

1923. Stebbing, Fish. Mar. Biol. Surv. Rep., iii, Spec. Rep. 3, p. 2.

1933. von Bonde, C., abid., Rep. 10, pp. 59, 60 (locality records).

Inter-antennular spine bifid. Spines and tubercles on carapace

all more or less of same size. Chelipeds and legs more strongly

spinose in 2 than in 3g, though the chelipeds in the latter are more

robust.

Length (2) 133 mm., breadth 84 mm. (Stebbing); another 9, in

S. African Museum, measures 120x82 mm. Pale yellow, eggs violet.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 35

Localities —Off Umvoti River, Natal, 130 fathoms (Stebbing, and

S. Afr. Mus.); off Durban, 172-205 fathoms (Fishery Survey).

Distribution.—-Philippine Is., 375 fathoms; Andaman Sea, 112-250

fathoms; Nicobars and Kast coast of Africa, 296-614 metres.

Famity ACANTHONYCHIDAE.

1910. Stebbing, 1. c., p. 286.

Basal joint of ant. 2 broad, especially at base, apically truncate,

and completely fused with epistome. No true orbits. Post-ocular

tooth, when present, not hollowed to receive the eye.

Remarks.—A prominent inter-antennular spine is not developed in

any of the South African species.

Key to the South African Genera.

I. Rostrum very large, conical, apically notched. No salient

supra-orbital spine or post-ocular tooth. es com-

pletely sunk (fig. 7, a) . : : . Aenocarcinus.

II. Rostrum flanked by salient supra- arbital: spines.

A. Walking legs not subchelate, 6th joint cylindrical.

‘1. Rostrum bifid.

a. A small post-ocular tubercle. Large

species . é Antilibinia.

6. An outstanding post- ae ieojeetion:

Small species . : . Menaethiops.

2. Rostrum simple. No post-ocular iaberels

a. Rostrum laterally compressed. Supra-

orbital spine small. Eyes scarcely

reaching margin of carapace. Cara-

pace 2 with lateral foliaceous lobes . Huenia.

6. Rostrum dorso-ventrally depressed. Supra-

orbital tooth large. Eyes short, but

reaching beyond margin of carapace.

Carapace 2 without foliaceous lobes. Menaethius.

B. Walking legs subchelate, 6th joint with a setiferous

projection on inner margin against which the

dactyl impinges (fig.10,d) . : 3 . Dehaanius.

Nott.—L£pialius vetchi Stebb. 1920 is an EHlamena (Hymenosomatidae).

H. scutellatus (Miers 1886 and Stebbing 1910) is a Dehaanius.

Gen. XENOCARCINUS White

1847. White in Jukes’ Voyage H.MS. Fly, ui, p. 335.

1865. M. Edwards, Ann. Soc. Entom. Fr. (4), v, p. 144 (Huenzoides).

1895. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxiv, p. 191.

36 Annals of the South African Museum.

1934. Gordon, Res. Sci. Ind. Néerland, iii, fase. 15, p. 69.

1938. Balss, Medd. Goteb. Mus., Ixxv, p. 20.

Carapace narrow, elongate. Rostrum stout, conical, apically

notched. Eyes completely sunk in carapace. No supra- or post-

ocular spines. Ant. 2 completely hidden beneath rostrum. Chelipeds

not much shorter or stouter than 2nd legs; 4th and 5th legs short;

dactyls of 2nd—5th legs serrate on inner margins. Abdomen in 2 of 5

segments, the 4th—6th being fused.

Xenocarcinus tuberculatus White

Big. (aa:

1879. Miers, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 648, pl. 12, fig. 5 (rostrum).

? 1895, Alcock, inc. 192:

21898. Id., Illustr. Zool. “Investigator,” pl. 33, figs. 3, 3, a.

1911. Rathbun, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 248.

1934. Gordon, I. c., pp. 69, 70, 72, fig. 37, b, c.

1945. Stephensen, Dan. Sci. Invest. Iran, pt. 4, p. 109, fig. 21,

C, D.(plpe ts, 27 3):

Carapace with more or iess strongly raised tubercles, typically in

transverse rows. 4th joint of 2nd—5th legs smooth; dactyls with a

single row of serrations.

Length (ovig. 2) 23 mm., breadth 9 mm. Alcock’s specimens were

reddish, with a yellow median stripe from rostrum to abdomen, and

a wavy yellow line on each side.

Localities.—Aliwal Shoal, Natal, 25 fathoms, and off Pondoland

coast, 30 fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution Hong Kong. % Ceylon, Andamans, Cargados Carajos,

Chagos Archipelago.

Remarks.—Dr. Gordon points out that Alcock’s specimens according

to his description and figure, had nodular chelipeds and legs; in the

type, and also in the South African specimens, they are quite smooth.

I have seen no ¢.

Gen. ANTILIBINIA McLeay

? 1878. M. Edwards, Crust. Regne Mexico, p. 138 (Taliepus).

1930. Stebbing, I. ¢., p. 287.

1916. Rathbun, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 50, p. 537.

1918. Id., Biol. Res. “Endeavour,” v, p. 13.

¢ 1925. Id., Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 129, p. 162 (Taliepus).

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 37

Large species. Carapace subcircular, dorsally smooth but more

or less uneven in adult, in young with tubercles; hepatic and branchial

spines near margin; glabrous in adult but covered with short thick

pile in young. Rostrum short, bifid. A supra-orbital spine, and a

small post-ocular tubercle which is not hollowed. Eye-stalk short,

but visible in dorsal view. Movable joints of ant. 2 visible dorsally.

Chelipeds stouter and usually longer than 2nd leg, especially in d,

apices of finger and thumb slightly spooned. 2nd—5th legs strong,

a b d ¢

Fie. 7.—Xenocarcinus tuberculatus White. a, dorsal view of carapace.

b, ventral view of rostral area.

Antilibinia smithit McLeay. c, dorsal view of carapace of juv. 23 mm.

in length, left side cleaned. d, Ist pleopod g.

dactyls with a double row of serrations on inner margin, and with

strong curved unguis. Abdomen (fide Krauss) with 7 segments in

both sexes.

Remarks.—The deep-water 8. Australian species lappacea Rathbun

1918, with carapace distinctly longer than broad, and rather long

rostral horns, does not seem to me to fit well into this genus, especially

as the 9 has the abdomen with 6 segments instead of 7, although I

have not been able to check Krauss’ statement in regard to the 9 of

the South African species.

On the other hand, there is such an obvious affinity between the

Californian Taliepus and Antilibinia that I would sink the former as

a synonym. Rathbun’s figures (1925, J. c., pls. 54, 55) of T. dentatus

might almost be taken from a specimen of A. smithii, except for the

smaller supra-orbital spine and the position of the tubercle behind

38 Annals of the South African Museum.

eye; even the peculiar sculpturing of the under surface of hand of

cheliped is the same in the two species.

Taliepus was proposed as a subgenus of Epialtus, and Antilibinia

was also regarded as such by Miers (1879, p. 650), who included

dentatus in the latter subgenus.

Antilibinia smithi McLeay

Smith's Sprder-crab.

Bice. a:

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 57, pl. 2.

1843. Krauss, Siidafr. Crust., p. 49, pl. 3, fig. 4, a-c.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 287.

1918. Zd., Ann. Durban Mus., ui, p. 49.

Carapace with setiferous tubercles in young, but smooth in adult.

Hepatic spine acute, curving forwards and inwards, 2 branchial knobs,

acute in young, becoming quite blunt in adult. In large specimens

middle branchial region more or less coarsely pitted, an oval rugose or

pitted area on hinder branchial region each side of intestinal region.

Chelipeds in g robust. No tooth on inner margin of 6th joint of legs. .

The double row of serrations on the dactyls becomes obsolete in large

specimens. Sternum and abdomen, legs and 4th and 5th joints of

chelipeds sparsely punctate (large 3).

Length up to ($) 72 mm., breadth 67 mm. Various shades of

brown, reddish, or greenish, more or less mottled, or with small black

spots, chelipeds and legs with fine striae (cf. McLeay’s figure).

Localities.—Natal (McLeay, Krauss, Stebbing); Winkle Spruit,

Port Shepstone, Durban, East London (S. Afr. Mus.).

Remarks.—This crab lives in rocky habitats, exposed to the breakers;

unlike most Spider-crabs it is remarkably free from growths of sea-

weeds, Hydroids, etc., especially when adult. It is the largest of the

South African littoral and shallow-water Spider-crabs.

Thaveseenno. Juveniles are easily distinguished from Dehaanius

dentatus by the shape of the 6th joint of the legs.

Gen. Menarrtrutiors Alcock

1895. Alcock, I. c., p. 289.

1906. Nobili, Bull. Sci. Fr. Belg., xc, p. 106 (Parahoplophrys).

1929. Balss, l. c., p. 8.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 39

Carapace ovate-triangular, more or less constricted in front of

hepatic region. Rostrum bifid. No post-ocular spine (Alcock);

post-ocular spine fused with the posteriorly expanded supra-orbital

ridge (Balss). Basal joint of ant.2 expanded. Chelipeds not strongly

enlarged. Abdomen with 7 segments in both sexes.

Remarks.—Balss recognizes 5 species from the Western Indian

Ocean, including fascicularis after examination of Krauss’ type

specimens.

Stephensen (1945, Dan. Sci. Invest. Iran, pt. 4, p. 99, fig. 18, D)

figures the plp. 1d of M. nodulosa (Nob.) which is similar to that of

fascicularis.

Menaethiops fascicularis (Krauss)

Fig. 8.

1843. Krauss, Siidafr. Crust., p. 50, pl. 3, fig. 5, a-d (Pisa f.).

1886. Miers, Challenger Rep., xvii, p. 56 (Hyastenus ?).

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 288 (Pasa f., sed incert. sedis).

1918. Zd., Ann. Durban Mus., ui, p. 50 (Hyastenus f.).

1921. Td., Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xviii, p. 454 (Blastus f.).

1929-Balss, 1: ¢:; ps 9) fig. 3:

Carapace with regions well defined, covered with close short pile,

and numerous. tufts of hooked setae. Rostral prongs rather short

and stout, porrect. Inter-antennular tooth inconspicuous. Supra-

orbital ridge not very prominent, rounded or feebly angulate anteriorly,

and posteriorly continued into the post-ocular tooth without any slit;

post-ocular tooth flattened dorso-ventrally, denticulate, not hollowed.

A small tubercle on hepatic region (easily overlooked), 2-3 flattened

denticles on subhepatic region, and a row of denticles from outer

angle of buccal cavity across pterygostomial region. Outer apex of

the broad basal joint of ant. 2 strongly produced, visible in dorsal

view; a small denticle at inner (ventral) apex, and another just

external to opening of antennal gland; whole outer margin minutely

serrulate. Hye-stalk well developed, for most part visible in dorsal

view. Cheliped in g short, 3-4 rows of tubercles on 4th and 5th joints,

hand somewhat inflated, smooth and glabrous, finger and thumb

gaping at base. 2nd leg not much longer than others; dactyls (incl.

that of 2nd leg) with a row of rather prominent denticles on inner

margin. Sternum of g$ evenly convex, without hollows at bases of

legs. Abdomen of $ with 6th segment wider than 5th.

40 Annals of the South African Museum.

Length 9 mm., breadth 7 mm. Drab with numerous red dots on

carapace when cleaned, finger and thumb of chelipeds blotched or

banded with bright crimson.

tt, sd oe vibe

- Si " ji 18)

ie e, Sa ey TRG) og

Jessie Roy g 2 e

+e y rt

Fie. 8.—WMenaelthiops fascicularis (Krauss). Carapace, partly cleaned,

and Ist pleopod 3.

Localities.—Natal (Krauss); Durban (Stebbing, and 8. Afr. Mus.);

Umblali, Umtwalumi, and Impengazi (Natal and Zululand) (coll. T. A.

Stephenson).

Distribution.—Mauritius (Richters).

Remarks.— Miers noticed that Krauss’ figure shows the orbit entire

above, which is correct, but which excludes the species from the genus

Hyastenus.

Gen. Huenta de Haan

1895. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxiv, p. 194 (references).

Carapace depressed, elongate triangular in ¢g, with large lateral

branchial lobe, with or without lateral hepatic teeth; subquadrangular

in 2 with large foliaceous hepatic and branchial lobes. Supra-orbital

spine present, post-ocular tooth absent. Rostrum simple, more or less

acute, laterally compressed. Eyes very small, almost immovable.

Chelipeds moderately developed in 3. 2nd leg rather long, especially

in 3, the others short, 6th joint with tuft of setae on a slight projection

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 41

near end of inner margin, best developed on 2nd leg; dactyls short,

stout, not much curved, inner margin doubly serrate. Abdomen with

7 segments in g, 5 in 9 (4th—6th segments fused).

Huema proteus de Haan

Fig. 9, a-f.

1865. Milne Edwards, Ann. Soc. Entom. Fr. (4), v, p. 143, pl. 4,

fig. 2 (grandidert).

1884. Miers, Crust. H.M.S. Alert, pp. 191 and 520 (pacifica).

1893. Stebbing, Hist. Crust., p. 107, figs. 5-7.

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 39 (grandidierr kept

separate from proteus).

1895. Alcock, l. ¢., p. 195.

1902. de Man, Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxv, p. 662.

1905. Lenz, Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxvii, p. 342, pl. 47, figs. 2, 2, a-c

(grandidiert).

1911. Rathbun, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 249.

1915. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xv, p. 57.

1917. Id., Ann. Durban Mus., i, p. 435.

1926. Barnard, Trans. Roy. Soc. 8. Afr., xin, p. 120.

1927. Hale, Crust. 8. Austral., pt. 1, p. 133, fig. 132.

Carapace very variable in shape, but depressed, with 2 low

prominences in middle line. Rostrum short or rather long. Finger

and thumb of cheliped in adult ¢ gaping at base, in 2 and young ¢

with their opposed margins meeting for nearly whole length.

Length up to 30 mm.

Localities —Durban (Stebbing); Delagoa Bay (Barnard).

Distribution.—Kast coast of Africa, Indo-Pacific to Australia, China,

Japan, Fiji Is. 0-80 fathoms.

Remarks.—The 2 is mostly found on the calcareous Green Alga

Halimeda, the segments of which it resembles in shape; the ¢

apparently roams about more freely. Halimeda is recorded as far

south as Algoa Bay.

The closely allied Trigonothir (=Simocarcinus) pyramidatus occurs

at Mauritius (cf. Balss, Medd. Géteb. Mus., Ixxv, p. 18, 1938).

Gen. Menaetuius M. Edw.

1834. Milne Edwards, Hist. Nat. Crust., 1, p. 338.

1895. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxiv, p. 197.

42 Annals of the South African Museum.

Carapace triangular or pyriform, ? without foliaceous lateral lobes,

surface tuberculate. Supra-orbital tooth strong, horizontal, laminar;

post-ocular tooth absent. Rostrum simple, acute, dorso-ventrally

depressed. Eyes short, but projecting slightly beyond margin of

Fic. 9.—Huenia proteus de Haan. a-c, outlines of g. d, e, outlines of 9.

f, carapace of 2 from Delagoa Bay, with side view of rostrum.

Menaethius monoceros (Latr.). g, carapace, with side view of rostrum.

h, 1st pleopod (right) 3, with internal view of apex.

(a, c, d, after Stebbing, 1893. 6, e, after Borradaile, 1903. a is a juvenile.)

carapace. Chelipeds in 3 well developed, finger and thumb gaping at

base. Legs short, 2nd longest, 6th joint cylindrical, with tuft of

setae on inner margin, dactyls not strongly curved, with double row

of serrations on inner margin. Abdomen in ¢ with 7, in 9 with 5,

segments. |

inj cial

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 43

Menaethius monoceros (Latr.)

Fig. 9, g, h.

1830. Rippell, Krab. Roth. Meer., p. 24, pl. 5, fig. 4, pl. 6, fig. 19

(Inachus arahicus).

1875. Paulson, Red Sea Crust., p. 6, pl. 2, figs. 2, 3, a, 6, 4 (and

var. subserratus).

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 39.

1895. Alcock, l. c., p. 197 (references).

1902. de Man, Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxv, p. 662.

1904. Dofiein, D. Tiefsee Exp., vi, p. 78.

1905. Lenz, Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxvii, p. 343.

1907. Stimpson (ed. Rathbun), Smiths. Misc. Coll., xlix, p. 25, pl. 3,

fig. 6 (subserratus and dentatus), p. 26 (depressus).

1911. Rathbun, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 249.

1931. Chopra, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxiii, p. 324.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., u, p. 72.

1945. Stephensen, Dan. Sci. Invest. Iran, pt. 4, p. 105, fig. 20, A

(plp.1¢). ;

The rather strongly tuberculate carapace and the strong laminate

supra-orbital teeth distinguish this crab from triangular-shaped

examples of H. proteus. The lateral projections are often stronger

and more dentiform than in the specimen here figured, which corre-

sponds with Ruppell’s figure.

Length up to 26 mm.

Localities—Mozambique Island (K.H.B. coll. 1912); Zululand

coast (S. Afr. Mus.); Delagoa Bay (van der Horst coll., also Lourenzo

Marques Mus.).

Disiribution.—Red Sea, East coast of Africa, Mauritius, Indo-

Pacific to Australia, China, Fiji, Sandwich Is.

Gen. Drnaantus McLeay

1910. Stebbing, /. c., p. 287.

1945. Stephensen, Dan. Sci. Invest. Iran, pt. 4, p. 99 (Acanthonyz)

(key to Indo-Pacific species).

Carapace more or less quadrangular or shield-shaped, the lateral

hepatic tooth, and the branchial tooth when present, horizontal,

laminar, more or less produced; surface smooth or the regions feebly

marked. Rostrum bifid. Supra-orbital tooth well developed; post-

ee AO = |

44 Annals of the South African Museum.

ocular tooth present or absent. Chelipeds larger in ¢ than in 9.

Legs short, robust, subchelate, the 6th joint having a setiferous

projection on inner margin against which the dactyl impinges, inner

margin of dactyls with double row of serrations. Abdomen with

7 segments in g, 5 in 9, 4th-6th segments fused, the sutures obsolete

or indistinct.

Remarks.—Apparently the only difference between this genus and

Acanthonyz is the 7 segmented $ abdomen. The genotype of Acan-

thonyx (A. lunulatus) has a 6-segmented § abdomen and no post-

ocular tooth. The latter character obviously has little generic value.

Ortmann saw no reason for maintaining Dehaanius, and Stephensen

inclines to the same opinion.

Key to the South African Species.

1. Post-ocular tooth present.

a, Carapace subtriangular, (antero-) lateral margins

diverging posteriorly.

i. Two large triangular (hepatic and branchial)

lateral teeth . ; : ‘ 5 . dentatus.

ii. Three subequal teeth behind the hepatic tooth . 4-dentatus.

b. Carapace shield-shaped, sides nearly parallel . . undulatus.

2. Post-ocular tooth absent. Carapace shield-shaped, sides

nearly parallel ‘ : ! ; : 7 . scutellatus.

Dehaanius dentatus (M. Edw.)

Hig. 10) a, 0:

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8S. Afr., pp. 57 and 58, pl. 3, figs. a-c

(acanthopus).

¢ 1862. Milne Edwards, F. carc. Réunion, p. 7, pl. 17, fig. 3 (con-

sobrinus).

1875. Paulson, Red Sea Crust., p. 7, pl. 3, fig. 1 (consobrinus, ? non

M. Edwards).

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 39.

¢ 1895. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixiv, p. 199 (consobrinus)

(quotes Heller).

1910. Stebbing, J. ¢., p. 287 (references).

1914. Lenz and Strunck, D. Siidpol Exp., xv, Deane

1920. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 264, pl. 28, fig. B (Pugetia

quadridens, non de Haan).

1923. Odhner, Med. Géteb. Mus., xxxi, p. 26.

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 362.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 45

Rostral prongs rather long and usually rather slender. Carapace

with regions fairly well defined in most specimens, with several small

setiferous tubercles in young (Stebbing, 1920, fig.), which mostly

become obsolete in adult, but 2 on anterior gastric region usually

D)

{

1

1

|

!

{

|

|

!

|

!

!

1

i

{

Fic. 10.—Dehaanius dentatus (M. Edw.). a, carapace. 6, Ist pleopod g, apex

further enlarged (scutellatus and undulatus are similar).

Dehaanius scutellatus (McLeay). c, carapace. d, lower surface of 6th joint and

dactyl of leg, dactyl drawn somewhat obliquely to show double serration.

Dehaanius 4-dentatus (Krauss), e, carapace. jf, Ist pleopod g, apex further

enlarged.

Dehaanius undulatus Brnrd. g, carapace.

present; lateral hepatic and branchial teeth large, acute, with some-

times a small blunt projection or a sharp denticle between them.

Post-ocular tooth present. Outer apex of basal joint of ant. 2 acute,

shortly spiniform. Eye-stalk with small tubercle on anterior apex.

Carapace, sternum, abdomen, chelipeds, and legs covered with short

46 Annals of the South African Museum.

close pile, the lateral points of carapace and the tubercles with hooked

setae.

Length up to 25 mm., breadth 20 mm., 9 slightly smaller. Smallest

specimen examined 6 mm. Various shades of brown, olive, russet,

red, or maroon, often mottled with white, legs often banded; or

cream with red markings; according to the colour of the surrounding

habitat.

Localities—False Bay (Stimpson, Miers, Stebbing, Lenz and

Strunck); Walker Bay, 43 metres (Odhner); Algoa Bay (Ortmann,

Stebbing); Natal (Krauss); off Tugela R., Natal (Stebbing); False

Bay to East London and Natal, 0-22 fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.); off Cape

Point, 145 fathoms (S. Afr. Mus. label sec, obviously an error).

Distribution (of consobrinus).—Red Sea; Réunion; Madras.

Remarks.—Both Paulson and Stebbing regarded the Red Sea

specimens as synonymous with 4-dentatus. Paulson’s figure, however,

seems obviously to represent a specimen of dentatus. I have not seen

Milne Edwards’ figure of consobrinus from Réunion. Heller’s descrip-

tion will not fit (e.g. no post-ocular tooth). The true 4-dentatus,

however, is quite distinct not only in the carapace characters, but also

in the Ist pleopod 3. in regard to this last character dentatus,

scutellatus, and undulatus are more closely allied to each other than to

4-dentatus. i

I have seen the specimen identified by Stebbing as Pugetia quad-

ridens; it is merely a young D. dentatus.

Dehaanius 4-dentatus (Krauss)

Hye? 10,697.

1843. Krauss, Siidafrik. Crust., p. 49, pl. 3, fig. 7, a-c (name

written as above).

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 39.

1910. Stebbing, J. ¢., p. 288 (references, excluding Paulson’s

consobrinus).

1918. Jd., Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 49.

Rostral prongs rather short and stout. Carapace smooth, sub-

triangular, hepatic tooth moderately well developed, behind which

3 subequal triangular teeth, all setiferous. Post-ocular tooth present,

and a small denticle between it and the hepatic tooth. Two tubercles

at base of rostrum, 4 on gastric region (sometimes only 2), 2 on

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 47

posterior branchial region and 4 medio-dorsal, all bearing hooked

setae. Other characters, except lst pleopod ¢ (fig. 10 f), as in dentatus.

Length up to 23 mm., breadth 10 mm. Yellowish brown.

Localities.—Natal (Krauss); Isipingo, Natal (Stebbing); Hast

London, Durban, Delagoa Bay (8S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Dar-es-Salaam (Ortmann); Mauritius (S. Afr. Mus.).

Remarks.—With the exception of Ortmann’s and Stebbing’s records,

this species does not seem to have been reported since Krauss’ time.

Dehaanius undulatus Brurd.

Bigs 10565 -¢:

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 361.

Rostral prongs rather short and stout. Carapace smooth, shield-

shaped, hepatic tooth moderately well developed, behind which the

lateral margin is undulate with 3 blunt and feeble, setiferous denticles.

Post-ocular tooth present. Two tubercles at base of rostrum, 4 on

gastric region and 2 on posterior branchial regions, all setiferous.

Other characters as in dentatus.

Length up to 17 mm., breadth 11-12 mm.

Localities—Durban (S. Afr. Mus.); Delagoa Bay (K.H.B. coll.

1912).

Remarks.—Resembles Acanthonyx lunulatus (Risso) (see Monod,

1933, Bull. Com. Et. sci. Afr. occid. Frang., xv, fig. 7, D) in general

shape, but has 3 tubercles on lateral margin and a post-ocular tooth.

Dehaanius scutellatus (McLeay)

ioe lOM tbs es cd.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa S. Aft., p. 57 (Acanthonyz s.).

1843. Krauss, Siidafr. Crust., p. 47, pl. 3, fig. 6, a—-c (A. macleaiz).

1895. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxiv, p. 199 (A. macleay:).

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 288 (macleaiz).

1910. Id., ibid., p. 288 (Epialtus scutellatus).

1926. Barnard, Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Afr., xiii, p. 120 (macleaz).

1947. Id., Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 362.

Rostral prongs rather short and stout. Carapace smooth, shield-

shaped, nearly parallel-sided; hepatic tooth well developed, behind

which lateral margin is nearly straight with a feeble setiferous tubercle.

Post-ocular tooth absent. Two setiferous tubercles at base of rostrum

48 Annals of the South African Museum.

and 2 feeble ones on gastric region. Outer apex of basal joint of

ant. 2 blunt. Other characters as in dentatus.

Length up to (2) 21 mm., breadth 15 mm.

Localities.—Natal rae aiee Isipingo, Port Shepstone, Durban and

Delagoa Bay (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Karachi (Alcock); Mauritius (S. Afr. Mus.).

Remarks.—McLeay stated that a tooth was present at the “external

angle of orbit.” Ifthe specimen is viewed from the side, the anterior

angle of orbit might be regarded as external. Krauss evidently

assumed that the posterior angle of the orbit as seen in dorsal view was

the “‘external”’ angle and consequently instituted a new species for his

specimens, although he fully recognized the close similarity between

them and McLeay’s description. That both authors are referring to

one and the same species is confirmed by the photograph of McLeay’s

type specimen in the Sydney Museum, for which I have to thank

Mr. Melbourne Ward.

Famity BLASTIDAE.

1910. Stebbing, UJ. c., p. 288.

The basal joint of ant. 2 is broad as in Acanthonychidae but the

orbits are more completely developed, the post-ocular tooth being

always present, and hollowed for reception of the cornea.

Key to the South African Genera.

1. Rostrum shortly triangular with apical slit ; . . Doclea.

2. Rostrum with 2 long spines, separate from base, and more

or less divergent apically.

a. Supra-orbital ridge well separated from the post-ocular

tooth.

i. Carapace (in the 8. African species) with flat-

topped tubercles. Rostral spines simple

(fig. 11, b) ‘ : ‘ . NScyramatha.

ii. Carapace without flat-topped faerie Rostral

spines with accessory spine on inner margin

towards apex (fig. 11, d, e) , ; Nazxioides.

b. Supra-orbital ridge closely approximate to post- donee

tooth, separated by a narrow, more or less closed,

keyhole shaped slit.

i. Carapace with a few slender spines. Chelipeds

and legs not strongly tuberculate ; Hyastenus.

ii, Carapace,chelipeds,and legs strongly Euberculees

tubercles on carapace mostly flat-topped . Hurynome.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 49

Gen. DoctEA Leach

1895. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxiv, p. 225.

1918. Rathbun, Biol. Res. “‘Endeavour,” v, p. 16.

1929. Balss, l. ¢., p. 14.

1935. Chopra, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxvu, pp. 467 sqq., fig. 1

(3 pleopods of 4 species).

Carapace subcircular, with lateral and often also dorsal spines.

Rostrum shortly triangular, apically notched or bifid. No supra-

orbital tooth. Post-ocular tooth hollowed, separated from supra-

orbital ridge by a narrow slit. Hyes small. Antenna 1 short; basal

joint of ant. 2 produced in a sharp tooth at outer apex; flagella of both

antennae much reduced. Chelipeds largerin § thanin?. Dactyls of

walking legs long, especially in 2nd leg, smooth. Abdomen with 7

segments in J, 7 or 4 in &.

Doclea muricata (Herbst)

Bie il.

1920. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xvii, p. 232.

A medio-dorsal line of tubercles or short spines from base of rostrum

to hind margin of carapace, the spine on the hind margin being the

largest; antero-lateral margin with 4 spines; 2 spines, one behind

the other, on branchial region, and some small tubercles between

branchial and gastric regions. A denticulate flat tooth at angle of

buccal cavity. Pterygostomial region not longitudinally channelled

(external to 3rd maxilliped). Abdomen of 2 with 4 segments (3rd—6th

segments fused). Carapace, chelipeds, and legs (except hands of

chelipeds and dactyls of legs) covered with very close short velvety

pile.

Length 38 mm., breadth (excl. spines) 29 mm.

Locahty.—Off Port Shepstone, Natal, 34 fathoms (Stebbing);

Delagoa Bay (Lourenzo Marques Mus.).

Distribution.—Indo- Pacific.

Gen. ScyRAMATHIA M. Edw.

1910. Stebbing, I. ¢., p. 289.

Carapace triangular or pyriform, with spines and tubercles, the

lateral hepatic and branchial ones being prominent. Rostrum of

2 long, slender simple spines, separated at their bases and usually

VOL. XXXVIII. 4.

50 Annals of the South African Museum.

divergent. Supra-orbital tooth or spine present. Post-ocular tooth

usually not much hollowed, separated by a distinct gap from supra-

orbital ridge. Eyes small. Chelipeds in adult ¢ considerably

elongated; 2nd leg markedly longer than the others. Abdomen with

7 segments in both sexes.

Remarks.—Deep and moderately deep water in the Atlantic and

Indian Oceans.

Scyramathia hertwigi Doflein

idilee IL ae @:

1902. Stebbing, Mar. Invest. 8. Afr., 11, p. 7, pl. 6.

1910 Wd) ves. pr 280.

Rostral spines 4 (very young, 8 mm. carapace length), 2 or 4 (juv.

15 mm.) to + or } (adult) length of rest of carapace, subparallel or

feebly diverging. Lateral hepatic and branchial spines conical and

acute in juv., becoming blunted and flattened in adult, the hepatic

spine flattened on outer side, the branchial on hinder side; median

anterior gastric spine and spine on hind margin of carapace remain

more or less acute throughout life; the tubercles on postero-gastric,

branchial and cardiac regions are flat-topped in young (12 mm.

length) except the one on branchial region flanking the cardiac

tubercle; in smallest specimen examined (8 mm.) the tubercles are

bluntly conical and the lateral hepatic and branchial spines very

slender; the externally flattened post-ocular tooth joined to the

hepatic tooth by a blunt ridge in juv., by a keeled ridge in adult.

Cheliped in g, 4th and 5th joints with 2 denticulate keels dorsally,

and one ventrally on 4th joint, 6th joint with keeled upper edge;

hand, finger, and thumb minutely and closely granulate; in @ all

ridges much less developed and without denticles on 4th and 5th

joints. 2nd—5th legs smooth, lower margin of dactyls of 3rd—5th

legs with a row of minute spaced denticles (at all ages). Whole body,

chelipeds (except finger and thumb), and legs (except ungues) closely

covered with vesicular setae, mixed with ordinary setules on the

dactyls; longer hooked setae on rostral prongs, on 2 patches on

gastric region, and on sides below the hepatic and branchial spines.

Eggs small and very numerous.

Length up to ¢ 63 mm., 2 43 mm., breadth (at level of, but excl.

lateral branchial spines) g 40 mm., ? 25 mm., cheliped, ¢ 160 mm.,

242mm. Buff or pale greyish.

Localities. —Off Cape Peninsula, 140 fathoms (Stebbing); off Cape

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 51

Point and on Agulhas Bank as far east as 23° E., 318-500 metres

(Doflein); off Table Bay, Cape Peninsula and Cape Point, as far south

as 36° 40’ §., 21° 26’ E., 140-230 fathoms (8S. Afr. Mus.).

Remarks.—Very close to and possibly only a subspecies of carpenteri

(Norman) which occurs in the N. Atlantic from the Shetlands to the

Fic. 11.—Doclea muricata (Herbst). a, carapace, pile cleaned off left side.

Scyramathia hertwigi Doflein. 6, carapace, partly cleaned. c, Ist pleopod .

Naxioides hirta M. Edw. d, carapace, rostral prongs broken (copy from Hilgen-

dorf, 1878). e, rostral prongs of N. robillardi Miers to show accessory spinules

(copy from Miers, 1882).

Hyastenus spinosus M. Edw. ff, carapace, cleaned.

Azores. S. hertwigi is distinguished by its shorter and less divergent

rostral spines; in this respect the young are nearer to carpenteri than

the adults (cf. figure in M. Edwards and Bouvier, 1899, Res. Sci.

Camp. Monaco, xiul, pl. 1, fig. 4).

Common on the Stock-fish grounds north-west of Table Bay.

Most examples are covered with Hydroids, Tunicates, or Sponges,

sometimes nearly completely enveloped in a sponge.

The Bopyrid parasite Scyracepon levis Brnrd. 1940 is found in the

branchial cavity.

52 Annals of the South African Museum.

Gen. Naxiorpes M. Edw.

1865. Milne Edwards, Ann. Soc. entom. Fr. (4), v, p. 142.

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 784 (Podopisa).

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 42 (Nama, part,

key to species).

1895. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixiv, p. 216 (Naava, part).

1929. Balss, l. c., p. 14.

Carapace pyriform. Rostral spines subparallel or divergent, with

a small accessory spine on inner (upper) margin near apex. Supra-

orbital ridge prominent, anteriorly more or less spiniformly produced.

Post-ocular tooth unequally bi- or tri-lobed. Cheliped larger in ¢

than in 9; legs smooth and rather slender, 2nd leg longer than others.

Abdomen in ¢ with 7 segments, in 9 with some of the segments

coalesced.

Remarks.—Distinguished from Hyastenus by the accessory spinules

on the rostral spines.

Ortmann and Alcock place Naaioides as a synonym of Nazia.

Key to the South African [Mauritian] Species.

1. Carapace with comparatively few and rather blunt tubercles.

a. Nospine at end of 4th joint of 2nd—5th legs ; . harta.

b. A spine at end of 4th joint of 2nd leg, and a knob on

end of 4th joint of 3rd leg ‘ ‘ [spinigera].

2. Carapace with numerous sharp spines. A spine at end of

4th joint of 2nd—5th legs ; : ; . . [robillard].

Naxioides hirta M. Edw.

Big iad:

1865. Milne Edwards, l. c., p. 1438, pl. 4, fig. 1.

1878. Hilgendorf, l. c., p. 785, pl. 1, figs. 1-5 (Podopisa petersit).

1884. Miers, Zool. H.M.S. Alert, p. 523 (petersit).

1887. de Man, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxii, p. 19 (petersii).

1895. Alcock, I. c., p. 218.

1903. Borradaile, F. Geogr. Mald. Laccad. Archip., ii, p. 687.

1910. Lenz. Voeltzkow Reise Ostafr., ii, p. 541 (Nazia h.).

1911. Rathbun, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 253.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., 11, p. 73.

Rostral spines nearly parallel. Carapace with regions well defined,

unevenly granular and tubercular; 2 stout spines on each branchial

region, a large median tubercle on hind margin, and a smaller one

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 53

laterally on pterygostomial region. Supra-orbital spine obsolete.

Basal joint of ant. 2 with stout spine at outer apex and a tooth in

middle of outer border. No spine at apex of 4th joint of 2nd—5th legs.

Length (to fork of rostrum) 46 mm., breadth 33 mm.

Locality.—Mozambique (Hilgendorf).

Distribution —Mauritius, Zanzibar, Amirante Is., Seychelles, Mal-

dives and Laccadives, Ceylon, Andaman Is., Philippine Is.

Remarks.—N. robillard: Miers (1882, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., p. 339,

pl. 20, figs 1, 1, a—c) from Mauritius, differs in having more numerous

and sharper spines on carapace, and a spine at end of 4th joint on

2nd—5th legs.

Gen. Hyastrenus White

1847. White, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., p. 56.

1895. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixiv, p. 206.

1894. Ortmann. Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 41 (key to species).

1913. Calman, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (8), xi, p. 313 (validity of name).

1917. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xvii, p. 25.

1938. Monod, Mem. Inst. d’ Egypte, xxxvii, p. 103, fig. 4 (figures

of plp. 1 3).

[Halimus Rathbun 1897, Stebbing 1908 and 1910, not Latreille.]

Carapace pyriform. Rostral spines long, divergent, without

accessory spinules. Supra-orbital ridge prominent, anteriorly more

or less spiniformly produced, separated from the post-ocular tooth by

a narrow, often half-closed or keyhole-shaped slit. Basal joint of

ant. 2 broad, outer apex sometimes acutely produced. Chelipeds in

S$ enlarged; 2nd leg usually much longer than the others. Abdomen

with 7 segments in both sexes.

Hyastenus spinosus M. Kdw.

Big ett. i:

2 1851. Bianconi, Spec. Zool. Mosambic, fasc. 5, p. 75 (Chorinus

aries M. Edw.).

1872. Milne Edwards, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Paris, viii, p. 250.

¢ 1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 786 (C. arves).

£895. Alcock, f. ¢., p. 211.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 285 (Halimus diacanthus, non de Haan).

1917. Id., l.c., p. 25 (uncifer non Calman).

1926. Barnard, Trans. Roy. Soc. 8. Afr., xiii, p. 120 (diacanthus

var. spinosus).

54 Annals of the South African Museum.

Rostral spines $—2 length of rest of carapace, shorterin?. Carapace

(when denuded) smooth and polished, 2 median spines, or a spine and

a tubercle, on gastric region, a low truncated prominence on cardiac

region, a strong median spine near hind margin, a strong spine on the

branchial region projecting laterally, a tooth on subhepatic region.

Supra-orbital ridge anteriorly shortly acute. Outer apex of basal

joint of ant. 2 quadrate but not acutely produced. Dactyls of legs

with a single row of denticles on inner margin, except on 2nd leg where

there are only 2-3 apically. Sternum of $ with deep hollows at bases

of legs.

Length up to 80 mm., breadth (incl. branchial spines) 48 mm.

Reddish or brownish.

Localities—Mozambique (M. Edwards); Natal (Stebbing and S.

Afr. Mus.); Delagoa Bay (Barnard).

Distribution.— Fiji.

Remarks.—I have examined the specimen recorded as wnezfer and

find none of the special characters of Calman’s species; it does not

differ in any way from the specimen previously identified by Stebbing

as diacanthus. The locality of this specimen was given as “ Umsinduzi

River, Pietermaritzburg,” but it is unlikely that this species is found

so far up a river in perfectly fresh water.

In the smallest specimens examined (9 mm. long) the tubercles on

the gastric region are undeveloped and the median one on hind margin

is very feeble; at 20 mm. the gastric tubercles are just developed.

Ward (1942) records wncifer from Mauritius.

Gen. Eurynomer Leach

1879. Miers, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 659.

1884. Id., Zool. H.M.S. Alert, p. 523.

1894. Milne Edwards and Bouvier, Res. Sci. Camp. Monaco, vu,

p. 14.

1906. Baker, Trans. Proc. Roy. Soc. 8. Austral., xxx, p. 108.

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 289.

1921. Id., Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xviii, p. 454.

1929. Balss, tl. c., p. 12.

Carapace pyriform, covered with granules and tubercles, but few

spines. Rostral prongs flattened (dorso-ventrally), divergent, apically

acute. Hye-socket deep, eyes completely retractile. A slight notch

between base of rostrum and supra-orbital ridge, but no supra-orbital

tooth. Post-ocular tooth separated from supra-orbital ridge by a

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 55

narrow slit containing a small denticle. Basal joint of ant. 2 broad

at base, longitudinally grooved, outer apex not produced. Chelipeds

in g elongate, rather robust; walking legs short; chelipeds and legs

more or less granulate or carinate. Abdomen with 7 segments in

both sexes.

Remarks.—This genus is allied to Hyastenus although the chelipeds

resemble those of the Parthenopidae.

Key to the South African Species.

1. Legs tuberculate and carinate. 5 tubercles on either side

of the central one on cardiac region . . aspera.

2. Legs smooth, but with a thin carina on 4th joint. Tubercles

more numerous and more equal in size, without definite

arrangement on cardiac region - : : . elegans.

Eurynome aspera (Penn.)

Fig. 12, a-c.

1777. Pennant, Brit. Zool., iv, p. 13, pl. 10, fig. 3 (Cancer asper).

1853. Bell, Brit. Stalk-eyed Crust., p. 46, fig.

1857. Stimpson, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., ix, p. 220 (longimana).

feeg5- Rathbun, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., xvi, p. 102, pl. 8, fig. 1

(longimana).

1900. Milne Edwards and Bouvier, “Talisman” Crust., i, p. 125,

pl. 19, figs. 7-15 (literature, synonymy).

1904. Dofiein, D. Tiefsee Exp., vi, p. 79.

1907. Stimpson (ed. Rathbun), Smiths. Misc. Coll., xix, p. 27,

pl. 4, fig. 2, (longimana).

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 289 (longimana).

1914. Lenz and Strunck, D. Stidpol Exp., xv, p. 275 (longimana).

1918. Pesta, Dekapoden Adria., p. 352.

1923. Odhner, Medd. Géteb. Mus., xxxi, p. 20.

Rostral horns rather broad. Carapace with regions well marked,

with flat-topped, mushroom-like tubercles, not very numerous nor

closely crowded, more or less symmetrically arranged, but variable

in size; the most constant are 4 tubercles on gastric region behind

a pair of conical tubercles, a row of 5 on either side of a central one on

cardiac region, and a row of 5 on hind margin, the outermost one on

each side somewhat projecting, with another even larger submarginal

one (making a row of 7 in all); a row on the postero-lateral margin;

a flattened ridge-like tubercle, capped with 2 flat-topped tubercles on

56 Annals of the South African Museum.

each anterior branchial region, and a more triangular one on posterior

branchial region; laterally a large triangular hepatic tooth, and 3

branchial teeth, the hindmost one subspiniform and granulate, all

4 dorso-ventrally flattened. Some of the major tubercles are some-

times enlarged, those on the gastric and cardiac regions so much so

as to be coalescent, forming a shield-like tubercle (var. scutellatus).

Fie. 12.—ELurynome aspera (Penn.). a, carapace ? (cleaned), with tubercle further

enlarged. 6, 4th joint of leg. c, ventral view of left Ist pleopod 3.

Eurynome elegans Stebb. d, sculpturing on portion of gastric and cardiac

regions of carapace 2. e, 4th joint of leg.

Supra-orbital ridge granulate, but not heavy. Chelipeds with conical

tubercles and granules; legs carinate and tuberculate, 4th joint with

3 large tubercles on hind upper edge and 3-4 on front upper edge, the

latter sometimes united into an undulate carina. Ist pleopod 3

(fig. 12, c) with apex curving inwards (not outwards).

Length up to 14 mm., breadth 10 mm. Chalky white or pinkish,

with pink or reddish specks or mottling, and bands on legs.

Localhities.—False Bay (Stimpson, Stebbing, Lenz and Strunck);

off Cape Point, 145 fathoms,* False Bay and Agulhas Bank to Cape

Natal (Durban), 24-54 fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.).

* This specimen may be wrongly labelled; cf. Dehaanius dentatus; the specimens

probably came from considerably shallower water.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 57

Distribution.—N. Atlantic to Cape Verde Is., Mediterranean, Port

Alexander, Angola, 108 metres. |

Remarks.—Although I have made no direct comparison with

EKuropean specimens of aspera, there seems no reason to separate

longimanus as a distinct species. The Ist pleopod g may be the

crucial feature. The South African specimens, like the European

ones, are very variable, and include a specimen of the var. scutellatus

(cf. Bell, 1855, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxi, p. 305, footnote). Odhner’s

record from Angola bridges the gap between the West African and the

Cape records.

I have seen no specimens exactly corresponding with Stimpson’s

figure, which shows, e.g., a V-shaped gap between the rostral horns

instead of a U-shaped gap, a large triangular tooth between the

lateral hepatic and branchial teeth, and the 4th joint of cheliped

smooth except for 3 denticles on the inner (anterior) margin. Yet

there cannot be the slightest doubt that the two forms (if the figure

is correct) are identical.

Eurynome elegans Stebb.

Hig. 12d, e:

1921. Stebbing, Ann. S. Afr. Mus., xviii, p. 454, pl. 13 (Crust.,

pl. 108).

2. Rostral horns rather slender (too broad in Stebbing’s figure).

Carapace more oval in general outline than in aspera, closely covered

with numerous granular tubercles (not mushroom-shaped), regions

less well marked. A pair of gastric conical tubercles, a group of 3 or 4

tubercles on middle of cardiac region, not enlarged but a little more

elevated than the surrounding tubercles, a pair of elevated tubercles

on anterior branchial region, and one on posterior branchial region;

a ridge of tubercles on hind margin. Supra-orbital ridge thickened,

tabulate; post-ocular tooth more acute and projecting more forward

than in Stebbing’s figure. A large laminar triangular hepatic tooth

laterally, followed by 4 smaller nodular projections on branchial

region, the hindmost one not larger or more laterally prominent than

the others. Chelipeds missing. Legs cylindrical, not tuberculate

or carinate, except the 4th joint which has a thin semi-transparent

keel on upper margin.

Length 10 mm., breadth 6 mm.

Locality.—Off Cape Vidal, Zululand, 80 fathoms (Stebbing).

58 Annals of the South African Museum.

Remarks.—Only the one 2 known. Both in general outline and the

cylindrical walking legs this species bears a likeness to the South

Australian granulosa Baker 1906 (I. c.), though in the latter there are

no keels on the 4th joints of the legs.

Famity MAMATIDAR.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 290.

The basal joint of ant. 2 very broad, its outer apex more or less

spiniformly produced. The orbits are always complete enough to

conceal the retracted cornea.

Key to the South African Genera.

1. Rostrum horizontal.

a. Rostral prongs short.

i. Eye-stalk slender, curved, cornea oblique, more

ventral than terminal ; : : . Mamaia.

ii. Eye-stalk short, cornea globular, terminal (fig.

1356). . : : 5 : . NSchizophrys.

b. Rostral prongs long, nearly half length of carapace . Acanthophrys.

2. Rostrum deflexed, vertical or nearly so (fig. 13, c) ; . Micrppa.

Stenocionops furcata (Oliv.) (Stebbing, I. c., 1910, p. 291, and see

Rathbun, J. c., 1925, p. 449, pls. 160, 161) is an American species

recorded by Miers from Simon’s Bay. Probably an error in labelling

has occurred (see Introduction, p. 3) and the species is not admitted

here to the fauna-list.

Gen. Mamata Stebb.

1909. Calman in Lankester’s Treatise Zool., vii, p. 316 (Maia Lam.

1801, non Brisson 1760, Aves).

1910. Stebbing, U. c., p. 290.

Carapace broadly pyriform, regions indistinct, granular or spinose,

lateral margins usually with large spines or spiniform teeth. Rostrum

horizontal, of 2 rather short straight, divergent horns. Inter-

antennular spine well developed. Supra-orbital ridge with hind

corner produced in a spine; intermediate tooth present; post-ocular

tooth strong, spiniform. Basal joint of ant. 2 with both outer and

inner (ventral) apices produced in spines. LHye-stalks long, curved,

cornea oval, mostly on the ventral surface. Chelipeds slender, finger

and thumb styliform. Legs not long. Abdomen with 7 segments in

both sexes.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 59

Mamma capensis (Ortm.)

Agulhas Spider-crab.

Fig. 13, a.

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 40 (squinado var.

capensis).

1908. Stebbing, Mar. Invest. 8. Afr., vi, p. 3, pl. 1 (Crust., pl. 27)

(quekettr).

1910. Id., 1. ¢., p. 290 (quekett:).

Fic. 13.—Mamaia capensis (Ortm.). a, 1st pleopod ¢, with inner view of apex.

Schizophrys aspera (M. Edw.). 6, carapace.

Micippa thalia (Herbst). c, frontal view, fringe of setae on ant. 2 omitted.

: d, 1st pleopod ¢.

Behind the post-ocular tooth 4 marginal spine-teeth, followed by

one submarginal on hinder part of branchial region; in the middle

line 3 spines on gastric region, a transverse pair (Stebbing: “a stout

bifid spine’’), one on hinder gastric region, one on cardiac region, a

transverse pair of spines and a large median one on intestinal region;

an oblique row from the branchial-gastric groove; a few other

irregularly placed moderate spines; rest of surface with setiferous

60 Annals of the South African Museum.

granules, tubercles and small spines; a pair of short spines on hind

margin. Cheliped with granules on 4th and 5th joints, finger and

thumb gaping at base in fully grown 3. No prominent spine at apex

of 4th joint of legs.

Length up to 145 mm., breadth (excl. lateral spines) 100 mm.

Orange-red to carmine.

Localities.—Algoa Bay (Ortmann, Stebbing); False Bay to Algoa

Bay, 16-55 fathoms (8. Afr. Mus.).

Remarks.—Whether this form be regarded as a variety of squinado,

verrucosa, OY spinigera, or aS a separate species, Ortmann’s name,

which Stebbing seems to have overlooked, must be adopted in place

of Stebbing’s.

This crab, the largest of the South African Spider-crabs, was not

obtained farther eastwards than Algoa Bay by the Pieter Faure, and

it would seem, therefore, that Stebbing’s specimen ex Durban Museum

was also probably an Algoa Bay specimen (Stebbing, UJ. c., 1908, p. 2).

M. squinado is recorded from as far south as the coast of Mauritania

(Monod, Bull. Com. Et. sci. Afr. occid. Franc., xv, p. 52, 1933).

Gen. ScHIZOPHRYS White

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 292.

Carapace broadly pyriform, regions well marked, granulate and

tuberculate, lateral margins spinose. Rostrum of 2 stout spines,

with 1-2 accessory spines or denticles on outer margin. Inter-

antennular spine not very prominent. Intermediate tooth present,

but neither it nor the supra-orbital ridge prominent. Basal joint of

ant. 2 apically bifurcate. Hye-stalks short, stout, cornea globular,

terminal. Chelipeds slender; legs not long. Abdomen with 7

segments in both sexes.

Schizophrys aspera (M. Edw.)

Fig. 13, b.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 58 (Mithrax quadridentatus).

1880. Richters, Meeresf. Mauritius, p. 143, pl. 15, figs. 8-14 (trian-

gularis var. indica). |

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 292.

1911. Rathbun, Trans, Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 254.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 61

1917. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 2 (references).

1927. Hale, S. Austral. Crust., pt. 1, p. 138, fig. 139.

1937. Chopra and Das, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxix, p. 390 (asper).

1945. Stephensen, Dan. Sci. Invest. Iran, pt. 4, p. 108 (dama

Herbst 1804).

Carapace breadth about 75 length from forking of rostrum to hind

margin; surface closely and unevenly granular, with scattered acute

tubercles. Post-ocular tooth bifid. Lateral margin with 5-6 spines.

Corners of hind margin tuberculate, somewhat up-turned. Hach

rostral horn with a single accessory denticle. A conical tubercle on

subhepatic region, and a smaller one in middle of lower rim of orbit.

Chelipeds with 4th and 5th joints tuberculate, 6th joint smooth,

finger and thumb gaping in old 3.

Length up to 51 mm., breadth 45 mm.

Localities.—Durban (Stebbing); Delagoa Bay (Lourenzo Marques

Mus.).

Distribution.—Indo-Pacific to Japan, Australia, Samoa.

Remarks.—A variable but easily recognized species. Ward (1942,

Mauritius Inst. Bull., u, p. 74) considers that there are several distinct

species, and records Mauritian specimens under the name serratus

White.

Gen. AcANTHOPHRYS M. Edw.

1834. Milne Edwards, H., Hist. Nat. Crust., 1, p. 323 (Paramithraz).

1865. Milne Edwards, A., Ann. Soc. Entom. Fr. (4), v. p. 140

(Acanthophrys).

1880. Haswell, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., iv, p. 442 (Chlorinozdes).

1906. Bouvier, Bull. Mus. d’Hist. Nat. Paris, no. 7, pp. 485 sqq.

(Acanthophrys, key to species).

1929. Balss, l. ¢., p. 19.

The above references do not indicate synonymy. I am not able

to discuss whether Acanthophrys should be included in Paramithrax

(cf. Miers, Rep. H.M.S. Challenger, xvii, p. 52), but it seems clear that

Chlorinoides is a synonym of Acanthophrys, and that if Chorinus

aculeata M. Edw. 1834 is included in Acanthophrys, as is done by

Bouvier, the specific name must be changed, as the combination

Acanthophrys aculeata is void, having been used by A. Milne Edwards

in 1865, although the latter species has now become a synonym of

A. spatulifer Hasw.

62 Annals of the South African Museum.

Acanthophrys longispina (de Haan)

1839. de Haan, Faun. Jap. Crust., p. 94, pl. 23, fig. 2 (Maja

(Chorinus) L.).

1882. Haswell, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., vi, p. 750 (Paramithrax

coppingert). |

1882. Id., Cat. Austral. Crust., p. 15 (Paramithrax coppingert).

1884. Miers, Crust. H.M.S. Alert, p. 522 (Paramithrax (Chlorinoides)

lL. var. botuberculatus). |

1895. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxiv, p. 242 (Paramithrax

(Chlorinordes) 1.).

1906. Bouvier, l. c., pp. 487 (in key), 488 (and var. spinosissoma).

1911. Rathbun, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 254 (Chlorinordes I.).

[Not coppingert Miers, 1886 =spatulifer. Miers misquotes the

reference to coppingert; the reference given 18 that of Chlorinordes

tenuirostris. |

Carapace pyriform, with long (but slightly less re half length of

rest of carapace) divergent rostral prongs; 5 spines in median line:

2 on gastric region, one cleft transversely on cardiac region, one

on intestinal region, and one on hind margin; 2 on each branchial

region; supra-ocular and pterygostomial spines prominent (for general

habitus cf. P. aculeatus Miers, 1884, J. c., pl. 18, fig. A). All the spines,

including rostral prongs, terminated by button-like knobs. Upper

and lower margins of 4th joint of chelipeds keeled and scalloped,

upper margin of 5th joint also keeled. All walking legs with a distinct

knobbed spine at apex of 4th joint. Antero-external angle of basal

joint of ant. 2 produced as a curved foliaceous lobe.

Locality.—Mozambique, 20-25 fathoms (Bouvier: var. spinosissima).

Distribution.—Japan; Darros (Amirante) and Providence Groups

(Miers and Rathbun); Ceylon, Madras, Andaman Is.; N.E. Australia;

New Caledonia.

Gen. Micrpra Leach

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 290.

Carapace oblong, granulate and spinose. Rostrum a broad lobe,

vertically or nearly vertically deflexed, apically bifid. Supra-

orbital ridge strongly arched, contiguous with post-ocular tooth, or

an intermediate tooth present. Basal joint of ant. 2 broadly ex-

panded, forming floor of orbit, and with its apex produced; mobile

portion of antenna visible dorsally. Chelipeds slender; legs not long.

Abdomen with 7 segments in both sexes.

ee se ee se

SS ee

0 eo ie A ae a

if

ee ee eee eS ee a Se

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 63

Micippa thalia (Herbst)

RierslSs 6d.

1851. Bianconi,* Spec. Zool. Mosambic, fasc. 5, p. 79 (Crust. pl. 1,

fig. 2) (aculeata).

1869. Id., zbid., fasc. 19/20, p. 339 (Crust., pl. 3, fig. 1) (pusilla).

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 786 (aculeata), p. 787

(pusilla).

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 290.

Rostrum widely notched, each lobe ending in a sharp outwardly

curving tip. Carapace closely and evenly granulate; a strong spine

on supra-orbital ridge, 2 in middle line on gastric region, 2 obliquely

on branchial region; the hinder and outer one of the latter might be

reckoned in the lateral series, which consists of 6-8 unequal and

irregular spines; post-ocular tooth strongly spiniform; intermediate

tooth present. All spines somewhat variable. Carapace and legs

(walking) thickly covered with a woolly tomentum; margins of

rostrum and the 2nd and 3rd joints of antenna 2 with thick fringe of

long setae.

Length up to 40 mm., breadth (excl. lateral spines) 35 mm.

Localities.—Natal (Krauss, Stebbing); Mozambique (Bianconi,

Miers); Delagoa Bay (coll. van der Horst).

Distribution.—Indo-Pacific to Japan.

Remarks.—M. philyra var. mascarenica occurs at Mauritius.

Famity PARTHENOPIDAE.

Calthrop Crabs.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 292.

1930. Flipse, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix, c. 2, pp. 1-96, figs.

(key to genera).

1934. Gordon, Res. Sci. Voy. Ind. orient. Néerland., ii, fase. 15,

p. 62 (Humedoninae only).

Hyes retractile in small circular orbits, whose floor is continued

nearly to the front, the small gap filled by 2nd joint of ant. 2. Basal

joint of latter small, embedded between lower angle of orbit and

socket of ant. 1. Chelipeds usually very robust, and much larger

and heavier than the walking legs.

* Bianconi also published his species in Mem. Ac. Sci. Bologna, iii, 1851, p. 103,

pl. 10, fig. 2, and ix, 1869, p. 205, pl. 1, fig. 1, respectively (references apud Alcock,

1895). ;

64 Annals of the South African Museum.

Key to the South African Genera.

1. Basal joint of ant. 2 nearly reaching inner angle of orbit.

Fingers of chelipeds slightly incurved. Walking legs

strongly tuberculate 5 s : A Parthenope.

2. Basal joint of ant. 2 very short, not nearly reaching inner

angle of orbit. Fingers very strongly incurved.

Walking legs smooth or feebly tuberculate : . Platylambrus.

Gen. PARTHENOPE Fabr.

1905. Stebbing, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxix, pp. 332 sqq. (Parthenope

Weber 1795 not acceptable, hence WDaldorfia Rathbun 1904

unnecessary).

1910) fds tc, p. 292.

1930. Flipse, l. c., p. 57 (key to Indo-Pacific species).

Characters as in key.

Parthenope horrida (Linn.)

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 292.

1911. Rathbun, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 259 (Daldorfia h.).

1930. Flipse, I. c., p. 58.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., i, p. 76 (Daldorfia h.).

Carapace somewhat pentagonal, postero-lateral angles strongly

produced, length nearly ¢ the breadth; surface very rugged with deep

cavities, more or less tuberculate. Rostrum short, ending below in a

blunt inter-antennular tooth. Chelipeds very large and robust, one

larger than the other, coarsely tuberculate. Legs stout, strongly

tuberculate or spiniferous, dactyls smooth. Sternum ¢ deeply pitted,

with a deep crescentic hollow between bases of chelipeds. Abdomen

of 2 with deep pits along each side.

Length up to 75 mm., breadth 102 mm. Variable in colour accord-

ing to its surroundings, greyish, brownish, greenish, more or less

mottled or variegated.

Locality.—Natal (Stebbing).

Distribution.—Mauritius; Indo-Pacific.

Remarks.—A sluggish crab, lying quietly amongst pebbles, corals,

and rough ground, with which the rugged carapace and the jagged

chelipeds harmonize.

= ie >a oe & —

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 65

Gen. Lamsprus Leach

Subgen. Platylambrus Stimpson

1879. Miers, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5), iv, pp. 17, 18 (Platylambrus

not accepted).

1910. Stebbing, l..c., p. 292.

1917. Id., Ann. Durban Mus., 11, p. 3.

1925. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 129, p. 511 (Parthenope

Weber, non Fabr.) and p. 516 (Platylambrus).

1930. Flipse, I. c., p. 21 (Lambrus) and p. 23 (Platylambrus).

1939. Ward, Amer. Mus. Novit., 1049, p. 2.

Characters asin key. Particular characters of subgenus: carapace

broadly triangular, broader than long, strongly carinated and

tuberculate, rostrum projecting, triangular, acute, no post-ocular con-

striction, chelipeds with 4th and 6th joints straight (not contorted),

sharply trigonal, outer margin of 4th—6th joints sharply serrated.

Platylambrus quemvis Stebb.

Fig. 14.

@ 1851. Bianconi, Spec. Zool. Mosambic, fase. 5, p. 81 (Crust.,

pl. 2, fig. 2) (L. serratus var. mosambicana).

¢ 1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ac. Wiss. Berlin, p. 787 (L. serratus var.

mosambicana).

Les Steppimetsc., proda ole L.

1921. Id., Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xviii, p. 455.

Carapace rounded behind, 7.e. postero-lateral margins not in line

with hind margin, 3 large compressed tubercles in middle line, an

oblique tuberculate ridge on each branchial region, with a less distinct

row of tubercles in front and another behind it; postero-lateral

margin with 3 teeth decreasing in size from the outermost lateral

one; hind margin with 3 teeth, the centre one usually with an accessory

denticle on each side. Infra-orbital tooth entire, visible in dorsal view

(when eyes are retracted). Cheliped with about 9 teeth on outer

margin of 6th joint, 4 large alternating with smaller ones, 2 of the

latter between the ultimate and penultimate larger ones. Legs with

upper margin of 4th joint with a few (6-8) spaced denticles, the uppre

margin of 5th and 6th joints feebly carinate on 2nd—4th legs, but also

VOL. XXXVIII. 9)

66 Annals of the South African Museum.

with a few denticles on the 5th leg (denticles obscure on 6th joint);

lower margins of joints in all legs smooth. The median teeth,

branchial ridge, and hollowed sternum are particularly well marked

in young examples.

Length up to $ 28 mm., breadth 35 mm. (incl. lateral spines);

Fic. 14.—Platylambrus quemvis Stebb. Carapace, on left side the eye is

retracted, and cheliped folded in resting position; ventral surface of rostrum;

Ist pleopod 3, with apex further enlarged.

ovigerous 9 19x24 mm. Grey or pale purplish, with lighter patches

on chelipeds, finger and thumb dark, walking legs banded.

Localitves.—Durban, and off Tongaat River, 30 fathoms (Stebbing) ;

Natal coast from Durban to Port Durnford, 27-36 fathoms, and

Delagoa Bay (S. Afr. Mus.).

Remarks.—This will probably prove to be a variety of pransor

(Herbst).

Stebbing (1910, 1. c., p. 292) records a species of ‘ Lambrus” from

“Umsunduzi River, Pietermaritzburg.” This inland locality is

certainly due to an error in labelling and is not acceptable (ef.

Hyastenus spinosus).

Famity HYMENOSOMATIDAE.,

1903. Borradaile, F. Geogr. Mald. Laccad. Archip., ii, pp. 682, 684

(Hymenosomdae).

1910. Stebbing, J. ¢., p. 331.

ee he ae a a —_—

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 67

1917. Kemp, Rec. Ind. Mus., xii, pp. 243 sqq. are species).

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix c, p. 8 (Hymenosomidae).

1925. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 129, pp. 9, 561 (Hymeno-

somidae).

1927. Hale, Crust. S. Austral., pt. 1, p. 115.

1930. Chopra and Das, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxu, pp. 413 sqq.

Carapace flat, thin and not well calcified, without hooked setae,

usually with horizontal rostrum. No orbits, eyes exposed and little

retractile. Peduncle of ant. 2 slender. Antennular sockets shallow,

ill-defined. Chelipeds not long or especially mobile. Male genital

openings on last thoracic sternite (concealed beneath abdomen);

female openings on sternite of 2nd (1st walking) legs.

Remarks.—Development sometimes without free-swimming stages,

the young crabs hatching from the eggs while protected by the

abdomen of mother.

Key to the South African Genera.

1. No epistome. Carapace with grooves. Mxp. 3 slender.

Dactyls smooth. All segments of abdomen in ¢

distinct . : . Hymenosoma.

2. Epistome well oineads Seems. 3-5 of aidomen in ¢

fused.

a. Carapace with regions defined by grooves. Mxp. 3

narrow, not completely closing buccal cavity.

Dactyls with (usually) numerous denticles.

Rostrum (usually) tridentate . : . Rhynchoplax.

6. Carapace with regions not defined, smooth. Nic. 3

broad, completely closing buccal cavity. Dactyls

with subapical denticles only. Rostrum broadly

triangular : ; ; : : : . LHlamena.

Gen. HymEenosoma Desm.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 331.

1914. Id., Trans. Roy. Soc. Edin., 50, p. 269.

1917. Kemp, l. ¢., pp. 244, 250.

ISIS, esreli, ts Gs, 15 Os

Carapace pabeiteular, regions sloPreal by fine grooves. No epistome.

Buccal cavity not limited anteriorly by a ridge. 3rd and 4th joints

of mxp. 3 slender, not meeting in middle, the underlying appendages

partly visible. Dactyls of walking legs without spines or denticles

on inner margin. Abdomen of 3 short, narrow, sutures of all the

68 Annals of the South African Museum.

segments distinct; in 9 suture between 6th and 7th segments often

obscure. Eggs small and numerous. Development unknown.

Remarks.—The South African species is the only one known with

certainty to belong to this genus as above defined. Another species,

H. depressum Jacq. & Lucas, inhabiting New Zealand and the Auckland

Is., was redescribed by Chilton (1907, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), xix,

p. 146, pl. 5), but without mention of those characters which would

determine its generic position.

Hymenosoma orbiculare Desm.

Crown Crab.

Fig. 15, a, 6.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 68.

1894. Ortmann, Semon Austral. Reise, v, p. 37.

1905. Lenz, Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxvii, p. 368.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., pp. 331, 332 (geometricum).

1913. Balss, Schultze Reise Siidafr, v, p. 110 (var. geometricum).

1914. Stebbing, l. c., p. 270, pl. 25, fig. A.

1914. Lenz and Strunck. D. Siidpol Exp., xv, p. 277.

1915. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xv, p. 58.

1917. Kemp, l. c., p. 245 and footnote, fig. 1.

1018; Teseh.. 1c, p. 6, plid me.

The flat dorsal surface, which is longer than broad, is surrounded

by a beaded and granulate rim (like the crown of a hat), continued on

to rostrum, which is concave above, with slightly up-turned apex,

and a granulate callosity on each margin at base; dorsal regions

more or less granulate; lateral branchial and hepatic regions granulate,

the latter with a tooth (variable in size) and a low rounded granulate

prominence; infero-external angle of orbit produced in a bifid tooth,

the upper tooth reaching to or slightly beyond apex of rostrum.

Chelipeds furry, granulose on 4th and 5th joints. Legs setose,

heavily fringed on hind margins of 4th—7th joints, the dactyls (7th

joints) slender with sharp ungues. Carapace covered with scattered

setae dorsally, more thickly on the lateral parts. 1st pleopod g

(fig. 15, 6) sometimes with a few denticles on inner edge of apex

beyond the fringe of setae.

Length up to 26 mm., breadth 25 mm. Reddish, yellowish,

brownish or greenish, sometimes carapace mottled and legs banded.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 69

‘

‘

i]

'

'

‘

!

’

g m l

Fic. 15.—Hymenosoma orbiculare Desm. a, carapace, with variation of rostrum.

b, Ist and 2nd pleopods ¢, apex of former further enlarged.

Rhynchoplax bovis Brnrd. c, carapace, left eye omitted to show intra-orbital

tooth. d, abdomen of ¢g. e, dactyl of walking leg, plumose setae omitted.

f, 1st pleopod ¢.

Elamena mathaei (Desm.). g, carapace of 9 (Zululand). h, i, ventral and lateral

views of rostrum of this 9. j, carapace of 2 (Port Alfred). &, lateral view of

rostrum of this 9. J, carapace, ¢ left, 2 right (Umhlali, Natal). m, dactyl of

walking leg. n, abdomen of g. 0, Ist pleopod 3, with o1e apical seta further

enlarged.

70 Annals of the South African Museum.

Localities.—Luderitzbucht (Balss); Saldanha Bay (Stebbing);

Table Bay (Krauss, Balss, Lenz and Strunck, Tesch); False Bay,

0-18 fathoms (Stimpson, Miers, Stebbing, Lenz and Strunck); Agulhas

Bank, St. Francis Bay, 80 metres, and Algoa Bay (Doflein); Algoa

Bay (Ortmann); Natal (Stebbing); mouth of Olifants R. (van

Rhyns Dorp Division), Lamberts Bay (Clanwilliam Division), Saldanha

Bay, Table Bay, and False Bay to East London, 0-45 fathoms (8. Afr.

Mus.). ;

Distribution.—Zanzibar (Lenz).

Remarks.—As Balss states, the 3rd and 4th joints of mxp. 3 are not

so wide as shown in the figure in Cuvier’s Regne Animal Crust., pl. 35,

fig. 1, a; one may reasonably suspect the dried and matted fringe of

setae on the inner margin misled the artist so that he drew the joints

wider than they really were.

In all the specimens I have seen I have not found any difference

which might constitute a specific difference; but the 3rd maxillipeds

tend to be relatively longer and more slender in the ¢ than in the @.

Stimpson’s only specimen of geometricum was a 6.

On the other hand, the spines and granulation of the carapace vary

to a considerable degree. The rostrum usually does not quite reach

the apices of the eye-stalks, but in some specimens tends to become

longer, equalling or even slightly exceeding the eye-stalks. The two

callosities at the base of the rostrum, the hepatic tooth and the

granulations along the rim of the carapace may also be much more

prominent (cf. fig. 15, a, normal and variation; see also Stebbing,

1905, Mar. Invest. 8. Afr., iv, p. 51).

A remarkable development of the rostrum and the processes is

shown in two ovigerous 99, carapace width 6-7 mm., collected by the

University of Cape Town Ecological Survey in False Bay, 19-24

metres. The whole animal is much more strongly setose than

“normal” specimens, and the granulation on the crown and lateral

regions of the carapace are more strongly developed and more sharply

conical. The gastric region is raised into a setiferous median boss.

The normal granules along the beaded rim are here conical projections,

which increase in size from the hind margin to the middle of the

lateral margin where there is a large conical setiferous projection;

this is followed by clavate or digitiform processes; the hepatic tooth

is well marked, pustulate or mammilate; the double tooth at outer

orbital angle is also pustulate, and posterior to it is an additional

conspicuous hepatic process. The most remarkable feature is the

narrow triangular rostrum, which extends not only beyond the eye-

_— a ee

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 71

stalks, but also a short distance beyond the end of the peduncle of

ant. 1, and is serrulate on the margins. The two low basal granulate

callosities which are found in normal specimens are here developed

into stout conical pustuliferous processes extending almost to apex

of eye-stalks.

At first sight these specimens certainly look specifically distinct

from normal orbiculare. But all the extraordinary features are

merely exaggerations of the normal features, and cannot therefore

be claimed as specific characters. The tendency to vary in this

direction can be discerned in many normal specimens; but there is

still a wide gap between the most strongly granulate ‘“normal”’

specimens and these “abnormal” specimens. This gap may, however,

be filled by the discovery of truly intermediate specimens.

Moreover, the institution of a n.sp. without a g specimen would

be madvisable.

For the privilege of seeing these two specimens I am indebted to

Professor J. H. Day, who is directing the University’s Ecological

Survey.

Although found in deeper water, this crab is a characteristic in-

habitant of estuaries and lagoons all along the coast; it lives on, or

buried just beneath, the surface of the sand and mud, or amongst

Zostera and other weeds. It swims and buries itself by means of the

very efficient fringed legs. It is often covered with bits of weed

which disguise it. Juveniles (3-6 mm.) are less setose on the carapace

and legs than adults.

Gen. Ruyncnoriax Stimpson

1858. Stimpson, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., x, p. 109.

1900. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxix, p. 387 (Hymenicus, non

Dana).

1907. Stimpson (ed. Rathbun) Smiths. Misc. Coll., xlix, p. 147.

1917. Kemp, l. c., p. 251 (key to Indian species).

1918. Tesch, lJ. ¢., p. 17 (key to species, excl. Kemp’s species).

1930. Chopra and Das, I. c., pp. 414-424.

1932. Shen. Zool. Sinica, ix, p. 58.

Carapace subcircular, flattened or slightly concave dorsally, with

raised rim, regions defined by sharp-cut grooves. Rostrum (usually)

tridentate. Hpistome well marked. Mxp. 3 narrow, not completely

closing buccal cavity. Chelipeds stouter than walking legs; dactyls

of latter (usually) with numerous denticles along inner margin.

Abdomen of g$ with 3rd—5th segments fused.

72 Annals of the South African Museum.

Remarks.—Development, in the South African species, without

free-swimming stage.

Tropical Indian seas to China, Japan, 8.H. Australia. Hntering

estuaries or even fresh water permanently above tidal influence (Kemp,

l. c., pp. 248, 264).

Rhynchoplax bovis Brurd.

Fig. 15, c-f.

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 362.

Carapace subcircular, sparsely setose, dorsal rim continuous across

base of rostrum; the latter tridentate, the median tooth larger than

lateral ones, concave and somewhat spatulate dorsally. A strong,

sharp post-ocular tooth, and a sharp infra-orbital tooth. No teeth

on antero-lateral or lateral margins, but often a slight projection or

shoulder antero-laterally. Chelipeds smooth, without keels and

unarmed, inner margins of finger and thumb smooth in both sexes, in

2 meeting along whole length, in $ gaping at base and meeting only

in distal third, where they are somewhat spatulate. Walking legs

rather stouter than in most species (but not so stout as in demeloz

Kemp), upper apex of 4th joint slightly projecting, but not spiniform,

dactyls with 9-10 subequal denticles along inner margin, obscured

by plumose setae. Abdomen of ¢ pyriform, the fused 3rd—5th

segments narrowing rapidly distally, the 6th and 7th (whose inter-

segmental suture is obscure) narrow, digitiform.

Length up to 9 7 mm., breadth 5-5 mm. Greyish or brownish,

usually much obscured by mud.

Localities.—Swartkops River, Port Elizabeth and off Kast London

(S. Afr. Mus.); Buffalo River estuary, East London (coll. T. A.

Stephenson); Amanzimtoti estuary, 1-2 fathoms, and St. Lucia

Bay (Univ. Cape Town Kcol. Surv., 1946 and 1948).

Remarks.—Well distinguished from other species, apparently, by

the strong post-ocular and infra-orbital teeth, which, however, are not

always as strong as represented in the figure.

One 2 (Kast London) contains 13 juveniles under the abdomen,

apparently ready to be cast off. Diameter 1 mm. Rostrum feebly

trilobate, the median lobe a little more prominent than the lateral

ones, which are blunt. Post-ocular tooth relatively small, infra-

orbital tooth not apparent. Dactyls with only 2-3 denticles on

inner margin. LHyes relatively large. Another 9 (Port Elizabeth)

contains about 30 embryos in a less advanced stage.

—_— i a eal

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 73

A din the s.s. Pieter Faure collection was caught, according to the

log-book, by tow-net attached to trawl which caught ground at

37 fathoms.

Gen. ExAmMENA M. Edw.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 332.

1915. Kemp, Mem. Ind. Mus., v, p. 216.

1917. Id., l. c., p. 19 (key to species).

1918. Tesch, f. c., p. 19 (key to species).

1920. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., ui, p. 269.

_ 1930. Chopra and Das, I. c., p. 424.

1940. Gordon, Proc. Linn. Soc. Lond., 152 sess., pt. 1, p. 60 (species

of Elamena sensu stricto).

Carapace oval, triangular, or polygonal, greatly depressed; no

dorsal grooves; lateral margins up-turned or not; rostrum triangular

or truncate, with (Hlamena) or without (Trigonoplaz) a large vertical

tidge on its lower surface. Hpistome well marked and separated from

buccal cavity by a ridge. Mxp. 3 with 3rd and 4th joints broad,

meeting in middle line. Dactyls of walking legs with 2 denticles near

unguis. Abdomen in ¢ with 3rd—5th segments fused, the sutures

obsolete.

Subgen. T'rigonoplax M. Edw.

Carapace flatter and more triangular than in Hlamena s.s.,its margin

not up-turned; chelipeds similar in both sexes and not appreciably

stouter than walking legs; rostrum without a ridge on its lower

surface, or with only a tooth situated far from front margin.

Key to the South African Species.

1. Rostrum with strong ridge ventrally, in front view T-shaped

(fig. 15, h) (Elamena). Carapace subovoid or sub-

circular, or subpent-(hex-)agonal . : : . mathaer.

2. Rostrum without ventral ridge or with only a small tooth

far from front margin (Trigonoplax). Carapace

trigonal = : ‘ ‘ ‘ d ; . unguiformis.

Elamena mathaer (Desm.)

Fig. 15, g-o.

1918. Tesch, 1. ¢:, p: 2.

1920. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 266, pl. 29 (Hpzaltus

vetcht).

1926. Barnard, Trans. Roy. Soc. 8. Afr., xiii, p. 120.

74 Annals of the South African Museum.

1938. Gurney, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., ser. B, cviii, p. 77, pl. 4,

figs. 34-37 (larval stage).

1940. Gordon}, !.¢5p.\63, figs. 1, a, b, 2, 3, a, b; ¢.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., i, p. 78.

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 362.

[Not Stebbing, U. c., 1920, p. 269, pl. 30 =H. (Lrigonoplax) ungue-

formis.|

3. Carapace glabrous, slightly longer than broad, margins very

feebly up-turned, posteriorly rounded, antero-lateral margins with 2

shallow but distinct emarginations, rostrum well developed, sub-

truncate but margins meeting in a distinct angle medianly, ventrally

with strong median ridge or tooth, in frontal view T-shaped. Cornea

of eyes just visible dorsally beyond edge of carapace. Chelipeds

slender, finger and thumb subequal to hand, dilated and denticulate

apically. Legs long and slender, 4th and 5th joints each with an

apical spine or knob, 6th joint with a less distinct apical swelling

(represented in Stebbing’s figure as on base of dactyl), dactyls falcate,

2 denticles adjoining the acute unguis, Inner margins densely furry.

Abdomen triangular, lateral margin rather strongly sinuous, apex

narrowly rounded. Ist pleopod corkscrew-like, with 8-9 long, finely

plumose, spine-setae attached to dorsal surface at apex.

Length 3-5 mm., breadth 3mm. Dirty yellowish grey, with specks

on carapace and chelipeds.

9. Similar to $ but carapace slightly broader than long, the antero-

lateral emarginations slightly more distinct, a small and indistinct

post-ocular tooth on ventral surface.

Length (nonovig. and ovig.) 4-6 mm., breadth 4-5-7 mm. Pale

green with yellow legs (Stebbing); Delagoa Bay 2 asin 3, but without

specks.

Localitves—Natal (Krauss); Durban (Stebbing); Isipingo (Natal),

Zululand coast, and Delagoa Bay (Barnard, and 8. Afr. Mus.); Hast

London and Port Alfred, Umhlali and Umtwalumi (Natal) (coll.

T. A. Stephenson).

Distribution.—Red Sea and Indian Seas; Mauritius.

Remarks.—Dr. Gordon thinks there can be no doubt about the

identity of the specimens she refers to this species. There is, however,

one doubtful point, viz. the meaning of Desmarest’s descriptive phrase

“carapace . . . in form of an equilateral triangle” (quoted in trans-

lation by Stebbing, /. ¢., 1920, p. 270). One would suppose that

Desmarest had before him a form like EL. (Trigonoplax) unguformis,

and evidently Stebbing in 1920 (but not in 1900) assigned an un-

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 75

deserved mathematical exactitude to Desmarest’s wording. Riippell

said he convinced himself of the identity of his species with that

described by Desmarest by actual comparison of specimens at the

Paris Museum (Riippell, 1830, Red Sea Crabs, p. 22); and the figure

he gives is by no means shaped like an equilateral triangle.

Probably all the earlier records should be ignored, unless types,

or at least specimens from the original localities, are available. Dr.

Gordon has now put this species on a surer foundation by describing

the g abdomen and Ist pleopod.

The South African specimens which I have examined agree with

Dr. Gordon’s diagnosis.

Stebbing’s “‘Hlamena mathaer”’ is rightly excluded by Dr. Gordon;

on the other hand, I consider that Stebbing’s “Epialtus vetchi’ is

clearly synonymous.

Elamena (Trigonoplax) unguformis (de Haan)

HET Wwemp, 1. ¢., ps 201; fies. 28; 29.

Ess Vesch,l¢.,, p. 25:

1920. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., ti, p. 269, pl. 30 (mathaer, non

Desm.).

1924. Hale, Trans. Roy. Soc. 8. Austral., xlviu, p. 70, fig. 1 (var.

longirostris).

1927. Id. Crust. 8. Austral., pt. 1, p. 120, fig. 118 (var. longirostris

McC.).

Carapace in form of an equilateral triangle, very flat, semi-trans-

parent. Chelipeds slender, finger and thumb nearly as long as hand,

feebly dilated and apically denticulate. Legs long and slender, 4th

joint with apical spine, dactyls somewhat dilated, 2 denticles adjoining

the acute unguis.

Length 10 mm., breadth 11 mm.

Locality.— Natal coast, 50 fathoms (Stebbing).

Distribution.—Japan; East Indies; Andaman Is. var. longzrostris:

Southern Australia.

Remarks.—Stebbing’s Pieter Fawre specimen was not returned to

the South African Museum, and no further specimens have come to

hand.

BRACHYRHYNCHA.

1903. Borradaile, F. Geogr. Mald. Laccad. Archip., 1, p. 426 (key

to families). ;

1907. Id., Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), xix, p. 481 (key to families).

76 Annals of the South African Museum.

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 293 (Cyclometopa) +p. 312 (Catometopa).

1918. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 97, pp. 1-461, pls. and

text-figs. (American Grapsoid Crabs. Key after Borradaile).

1930. Id., ibid., no. 152, pp. 1-609, pls. and text-figs. (American

Cancroid crabs. Key after Borradaile).

Carapace not narrowed in front, rostrum reduced or absent. Hpi-

stome usually well developed. Buccal cavity quadrate. Orbits well

developed, though sometimes more or less incomplete. Female

genital openings on sternite of 3rd (2nd walking) legs; male openings

on 5th coxae or 5th sternite.

Key to South African Families (adapted from Borradaile).

I. Orbits complete. Carapace rarely elongate-oval.

Rostrum often wanting. Flagellum of ant. 2

usually short and not hairy.

A. 5th joint of mxp. 3 not inserted at or near inner

angle of 4th joint (fig. 16, b). Carapace

usually squarish, sometimes round. Male

genital openings sternal. (In no species is

the right chela always larger than left.)

1. Small symbiotic crabs. Carapace more or

less round, eyes and orbits very small

(fig. 16) . ‘ : : d . Pinnotheridae, p. 77.

2. Free-living crabs.

a. Orbits wider, often much wider, than

front (figs. 17, 18, 20, 21). 3rd

maxillipeds meeting, or nearly

so, in middle line. Carapace

squarish or transversely oblong . Ocypodidae, p. 82.

b. Front at least as wide, usually wider

than orbit (figs. 23, 25, a). 3rd

maxillipeds not meeting.

i. Carapace transversely oval,

strongly vaulted, sides

arched) (fig. 23, a):

Terrestrial : . . Gecarcinidae, p. 109.

ii. Carapace square, not strongly

vaulted, sides straight or

only feebly arched (figs.

23, b-f, 25, a). If terrestrial,

an opening fringed with

hairs between bases of 3rd

and 4th legs. F . Grapsidae, p. 110.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 7

B. 5th joint of mxp. 3 inserted at or near inner angle

of 4th joint (figs. 27, a-c). Carapace usually

transversely oval or round. Male genital

openings nearly always coxal. Right chela

often larger than left.

1. 5th pair of legs flattened and adapted for

swimming (figs. 28, c, 7, 29, d, k) . . Portunidae, p. 139.

2. Legs not adapted for swimming.

a. Freshwater crabs with branchial .

regions much swollen (fig. 34) . Potamonidae, p. 179.

b. Marine crabs.

i. Ist antennae folded longitudin-

ally.

a. Carapace — subcircular.

Flagellum of ant. 2

hairy : : :

6. Carapace broadly oval or

hexagonal. Flagellum

of ant. 2 short, not

hairy : ‘ :

ii. Ist antennae folded obliquely or

transversely. Two families {

Atelecyclidae, p. 194.

[Cancridae, p. 194].

Xanthidae, p. 198;

not sharply separated Goneplacidae, p. 281.

If. Orbits formed, but more or less incomplete. Cara-

pace elongate-oval. Rostrum present. Ant. 2

with flagellum, when present, long and hairy . Corystidae, p. 302.

Famity PINNOTHERIDAKE.

Pea-crabs, Oyster-crabs, Mussel-crabs.

1900. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxix, pp. 284, 287, 293, 331

_ (Pinnoteridae).

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 330 (date of Alcock misprinted as 1890).

1918. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 97, pp. 9, 15, 61.

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix ¢, 1, pp. 244-287.

1924. Hyman, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., lxiv, 7 pp., 6 pls. (larval

stages). ‘

1927. Hale, Crust. 8. Austral., pt. 1, p. 172.

Carapace more or less membranous, subcircular or transversely

oval. Orbits and eyes very small, cornea sometimes obsolescent, 4th

joint of mxp. 3 often large, 3rd joint usually small; or 3rd and 4th

fused, in which case the joint is directed obliquely or transversely

inwards, and the palp is short; exopod small, more or less concealed.

Male genital openings sternal.

78 Annals of the South African Museum.

Remarks.—Small crabs living commensally in bivalve molluscs,

Ascidians, Holothurians, and worm-tubes, or parasitically on outer

surface of Echinoids. The males are rare, free-swimming, and rarely

found together with the females (Orton, Nature, cvi, p. 533, 1920;

Kemp, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxiv, p. 117, 1922). Stebbing (1893, Hist.

Crust., p. 99) quotes the ancient stories of the relations between the

crab and the Pinna-shell; and Riippell (1830, Beschr. 24 Krabben,

p. 23) defends Hasselquist’s observations on their habits.

The males, and also the young non-ovigerous females, often have

long fringes of setae on the hind margins of the 3rd—5th legs,

presumably in connection with their more mobile mode of life.

Key to the South African Genera.

1. 7th joint of mxp. 3 present (palp 3-jointed).

a. Margin of carapace rounded, ill-defined . : : . Pinnotheres.

b. Margin of carapace sharply up-turned, crest-like . Xanthasia.

2. 7th joint of mxp. 3 absent (palp 2-jointed) . : : . Ostracotheres.

Gen. PINNOTHERES Bosc

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 330.

1918. Rathbun, l. c., p. 62.

1918. Tesch, l. c., p. 247 (list of Indo-Pacific species, and key).

1926. Atkins, J. Mar. Biol. Assoc. Plym., n.s., xiv, p. 475, pls. 1-5

and 4 text-figs (sexual dimorphism, moulting).

1928. Lebour, J. Mar. Biol. Assoc. Plym., n.s., xv, p. 114, figs.

(larval stages).

1931. Chopra, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxui, pp. 312-323.

1932. Shen, Zool. Sinica, ix, p. 131.

1933. Monod, Bull. Soc. Sci. Nat. Maroc., xii, p. 142 (dated 1932,

but see Monod, zbid., p. 218: publ. 1933).

1934. Gordon, Res. Sci. Ind. orient. Néerland, iii, fase. 15, p. 19.

Carapace not well calcified, parchment-like, subcircular, margins

convex and ill-defined, not up-turned, glabrous or pubescent, no

longitudinal grooves. 3rd and 4th joints of mxp. 3 fused, oblique,

palp 3-jointed (7.e. 7th joint present). Dactyls of legs not bifurcate.

Remarks.—No attention seems to have been paid to the 1st pleopod

3, except by Shen and by Gordon. Gordon has also drawn attention

(Proc. Linn. Soc. Lond., 149th sess., pt. 1, p. 29, 1937) to the asym-

metry of the legs in some species.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 79

Key to the South African Species.

1. Dactyls of 4th and 5th legs scarcely longer than those of 2nd and

3rd legs. : : : : : : : dofleint.

2. Dactyls of 4th and 5th legs distinctly longer than those of 2nd

and 3rd legs : , : : : : : Be ete

Pinnotheres doflent Lenz

Fig. 16, a-f.

1904. Doflein, D. Tiefsee Exp., vi, p. 124, fig. 10, and pl. 37, figs.

3, 4, 2 (Pinnotheres sp.).

1914. Lenz in Lenz and Strunck, D. Siidpol Exp., xv, p. 281, pl. 12,

figs. 17-19, 3.

1920. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xvii, p. 241 (ostrearius part: the

specimen from St. James).

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 362.

Fic. 16.—Pinnotheres dofleini Lenz. a, carapace. 6, 3rd maxilliped. c, d, dac-

tyls of 2nd and 5th legs. e, apex of abdomen ¢ in sternal groove, setae partly

omitted to show apex of Ist pleopod. f, Ist pleopod 3.

Pinnotheres sp. (Mossel Bay and Delagoa Bay). g, dactyl of 5th leg, 9.

Pinnotheres ? pisuni (Linn.)* (Europe). h, apex of abdomen ¢ in sternal groove,

setae partly omitted to show apex of Ist pleopod. i, Ist pleopod ¢.

Carapace about 11 as broad as long, sparsely pilose, nearly or quite

glabrous in 9, hind margin gently convex. 7th joint of mxp. 3

inserted on proximal inner margin of 6th, and extending very slightly

_ beyond apex of 6th, very slightly widened distally. Dactyls of 2nd

* Last abdominal segment does not correspond with Atkins’ figures of J piswm

((c¢., ig. land pl. 1, fig. 2).

80 Annals of the South African Museum.

and 3rd legs subequal, of 4th and 5th also subequal but slightly longer

than 2nd and 3rd, ungues strong. 3rd—5th legs stouter in g than in 9,

5th joints of 5rd—5th legs in ¢ fringed on hind margin. In ¢ sternal

groove for reception of abdomen not laterally expanded on the

segment between the chelipeds, and terminal segment of abdomen is

not greatly broader than long (contrast pisum; fig. 16, e and h).

Length up to? 16 mm., breadth 19mm. Pale buff, sometimes with

a pinkish tinge.

Localities —Algoa Bay (Doflein); Simon’s Bay, in the Ascidian

Phallusia canaliculata (Lenz); St. James, False Bay, in the Ascidian

Pyura stolomfera (Stebbing, coll. K. H. B.); Algoa Bay (S. Afr. Mus.) ;

Simonstown among Ascidians on naval training ship in dry dock (coll.

K. H. B.); False Bay, in large Pinna-shell (8. Afr. Mus.); Algoa Bay,

in large Pinna-shell (Port Elizabeth Mus.).

Pinnotheres sp.

Fig. 16, g.

1920. Stebbing. I. c., p. 241 (pisum %, non Linn.).

1920. Id., cbid., p. 241 (ostrearius part: the Delagoa Bay specimen).

Carapace about 14+ as broad as long, glabrous (2), hind margin

nearly straight. 7th joimt of mxp. 3 inserted on proximal imner

margin of 6th, scarcely reaching beyond apex of 6th, styliform, not

widening apically. Dactyls of 2nd and 3rd legs subequal, of 4th

longer, of 5th longer than 4th, those of 4th and 5th subcultrate or

ensiform, slender with very small ungues.

Length, 9 8 mm., breadth 10 mm.

Localities.—Mossel Bay, in pearl-oyster (Avicula), and Delagoa Bay

in shell of Modiola (Stebbing). |

Remarks.—l have compared both Stebbing’s specimens with

Kuropean specimens of what I think is piswm (but see footnote to

fig. 16), and the elongate dactyls of 4th and 5th legs at once distinguish

the former.

Pinnotheres globosus Jacqu. & Lucas

1853. Jacquinot and Lucas, Voy. Astrolabe, Crust.

1853. Milne Edwards, Ann. Sci. Nat., xx, pl. Liege

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 809.

1918. Tesch, l. c., p. 257, footnote.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 81

Locality.—Mozambique (Hilgendorf).

Distribution.—Singapore (Jacquinot and Lueas); New Caledonia

(M. Edwards).

Remarks.—Tesch does not agree with M. Edwards in regarding this

species as synonymous with obesus Dana.

Gen. XANTHASIA White

1846. White, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., xvii, p. 176.

1887. de Man, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxii, p. 106.

1900. Alcock, l. c., p. 340.

1918. Tesch, l. c., pp. 245, 246.

Similar to Pinnotheres but the edge of the carapace is well defined,

forming (except on fronto-orbital margin) an up-turned crest, thin

or thickened. In the middle of the saucer-like dorsal surface a more

or less mushroom-like tubercle or boss.

Remarks.—Alcock says the dactyl (7th joint) of mxp. 3 is wanting

or represented by a tiny pencil of hairs; but Tesch includes the genus

in his key under the heading of those genera, like Pinnotheres, in which

the dactyl is present.

Xanthasia murigera White

1846. White, I. c., p. 177, pl. 2, fig. 3.

1884. Miers, Zool. H.M.S. Alert, Crust., p. 546.

1894/5. Biirger, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., vill, p. 386, pl. 10, fig. 33.

1900. Alcock, I. c., p. 341.

1918. Tesch, l. c., p. 246.

Margin of carapace forming a thin up-turned and overhanging

crest, ending in a curl on anterior part of the branchial regions. The

median mushroom-like tubercle is reticulate; between it and the

front 2 parallel crests. Dactyls of all legs short and subequal.

Length, 2 11-5 mm., breadth 15-5 mm.

Locality.—Mozambique, beach (Miers).

Distribution.—Philippines, Fiji, New Caledonia. Associated with

Tridacna.

Remarks.—X. whiter de Man (1887, l. c., p. 106, pl. 7, fig. 1), from

Mergui, has a thickened, bolster-like carapace margin.

Gen. OSTRACOTHERES M. Edw.

1910. Stebbing, lL. ¢., p. 330.

1914. Lenz and Strunck, D. Siidpol Exp., xv, p. 283.

VOL: XXXVIII. 6

82 Annals of the South African Museum.

1915. Laurie, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxxi, p. 465.

1918. Teseh; 1. cs pp.1262:

Like Pinnotheres, but the palp of mxp. 3 only 2-jointed, 7.e. the

7th joint is absent.

Ostracotheres tridacnae (Riipp.)

1910. Stebbing, 1. c., p. 331.

1914. Lenz and Strunck, l. c., pp. 282, 283.

1918. Tesch, l. c., pp. 262 (in key), 287.

1924. Balss, Denkschr. Ak. Wiss. Wien., xcix, p. 14.

1938. Gurney, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., ser. B, cviti, p. WSsqmieeee

figs. 38-41 (larval stage).

Carapace subcircular, the front pubescent. Mxp. 3 pubescent

on outer surface. Finger and thumb of chelipeds acute (not hollowed

at tip). Dactyls of all legs subequal. .

Length (according to Riippell’s figure) 15 mm.

Localities.—Natal (Krauss); Simon’s Bay (Lenz and Strunck).

Distribution.—Red Sea.

Remarks.—Inhabits bivalve shells (Tridacna, Pinna).

Famity OCYPODIDAE.

1907. Borradaile, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), xix, p. 485 (key to

subfamilies).

1910. Stebbing, l. ¢., p. 325.

1918 (January). Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 97, p. 365.

1918 (February). Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix, c. p. 34.

1937. Tweedie, Bull. Raffles Mus., xii, p. 140.

Orbits occupying whole of the anterior border except the front,

which is usually narrow and deflexed, their outer rims often not well

developed. EHye-stalks slender, often elongate. 5th joint of mxp. 3

articulating at or near the external apex of 4th joint; exopod usually

slender and more or less concealed. One of the chelipeds (sometimes

the right, sometimes the left) often vastly larger than the other in ¢.

Abdomen of § narrow. Genital openings ¢ sternal.

Remarks.—Littoral crabs, living on sandy or muddy shores, usually

burrowing and gregarious.

Key to the South African Genera.

A, A cavity, with its edges thickly fringed with hairs, between

bases of 3rd and 4th (2nd and 3rd walking) legs

(Ocypodinae).

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 83

1. Carapace subquadrangular. Chelipeds very unequal

in both sexes. Cornea very large, occupying

greater part of ventral surface of eye-stalk - Ocypode.

2. Carapace broader than long. Chelipeds in 2 small

and subequal, in ¢ one vastly larger than other Uca.

B. No cavity between legs.

1. Body deep, more or less globose. Membranous

spaces on 4th joints of the legs : ; - Doitilla.

2. Body shallow, broader than long. No membranous

spaces on legs (Macrophthalminae).

a. Mxp. 3 not meeting, leaving a lozenge-shaped

gap between them, 4th joint shorter than

3rd P : : ‘ : : -. Macrophthalmus.

5. Mxp. 3 meeting in middle line, 4th joint as long

as or longer than 3rd.

i. 4th joint of mxp. 3 convex at antero-

external corner, but not dilated.

Cornea normal : : : . Cleistostoma.

li. 4th joint of mxp. 3 strongly dilated at

antero-external corner. Cornea very

small . : 2 - : . Tylodiplaz.

Gen. OcypPope Fabr.

Sand-crabs ; Running-crabs.

1897. Ortmann, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., x, p. 359.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 325.

1915. Kemp, Mem. Ind. Mus., v, p. 218 (Megalopa and juv. of one

species figured). .

1918. Tesch, |. c., p. 35 (Ocypoda).

1937. Chopra and Das, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxix, p. 418 (figs. Ist

plp. $ of 3 species).

1940. Crane, Zoologica, xxv, p. 65 (development).

Body deep. Carapace subquadrangular, regions ill-defined, front

deflexed. Eyes large, cornea occupying most of ventral surface of

stalk which is often produced beyond the cornea like a horn. Cheli-

peds unequal in both sexes, the palm of the larger chela usually with

a stridulating ridge of granules or striae, which can be scraped against

a smooth polished ridge on the 3rd joint (the latter ridge is present on

both chelipeds, but less developed on the smaller cheliped which has no

palmar ridge; in those species where a stridulating ridge is absent,

the ridge on 3rd joint is also absent). Legs strong; 5th (4th walking)

pair weaker than others; dactyls fluted. A cavity, connecting with

84 Annals of the South African Museum.

the branchial chamber, between bases of 3rd and 4th legs, its edges

fringed with long hairs. Abdomen of 7 segments in both sexes.

Remarks.—The Running-crabs are typical inhabitants of sandy

beaches in tropical and subtropical regions. In South Africa the

genus extends on the south coast as far west as Mossel Bay, but on the

west coast has not been recorded farther south than Gt. Fish Bay

(Tiger Peninsula) in Angola.

During the period of ebb-tide the crabs dig out their burrows; if

surprised away from their burrows they run with extraordinary

swiftness (see Stebbing, 1893, Hist. Crust., pp. 85 sqq.). For an

account of the stridulating organ see Alcock, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6),

x, 1892, p. 336. Crane (1940) shows that the peculiarities of the

Megalopa-stage are adaptations to the habitat.

Key to the South African Species.

1. No stridulating ridge on palm. LHye-stalks not prolonged

beyond cornea : : : 5 , : . cordimanus.

2. Stridulating ridge present.

a. Eye-stalks prolonged in a horn (at least in adult, not

developed in juv.). Stridulating ridge extending

across greater part of width of palm, composed of

tubercles above and striae below ; 3 . ceratophthalmus.

b. Eye-stalks not prolonged beyond cornea. Stridulating

ridge occupying upper half only of width of palm,

composed of tubercles. : f : . kuhlir.

c. Eye-stalks prolonged in a short conical process bearing

a brush of hairs. Stridulating ridge extending

across the palm, composed of striae . : . cursor.

Ocypode cordimanus Desm.

ret. abs

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 803.

1881. de Man, Notes Leyden Mus., iii, p. 248.

1897. Ortmann, I. c., p. 362.

1900. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxix, p. 349.

1907. Stimpson (ed. Rathbun), Smiths. Misc. Coll., xlix, p. Lie;

pl lbs me ens

1910. Stebbing, UJ. c., p. 326.

1912. Lenz, Ark. Zool., vii, no. 29, p. 6.

1915. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xv, p. 58.

1918. Teseh, /.¢.,p. 35.

1937. Chopra and Das, l. c., p. 420, fig. 18 (1st plp. 3).

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 85

Carapace widest in anterior third behind antero-lateral (external

orbital) angles, which are acute and point forwards oz slightly inwards.

Hye-stalks without terminal prolongation. Lower border of orbit

with a notch nearly in middle; outer border with a deep notch. Lower

aan. EH

D

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MOS SS

eae

ok

. vss y

.

7

ie

iv)

|

’

v

rie

i

vo?

se

i

22000,C

v)

.7)

Y

Fic. 17.—Ocypode cordimanus Desm. a, front of carapace. 6, front view of

dactyl of 2nd leg.

Ocypode ceratophthalmus (Pallas). c, front of carapace. d, stridulating ridge

on inside of palm of larger chela.

Ocypode kuhlit de Haan. e, front of carapace. f, stridulating ridge on inside

of palm of larger chela. g, front view of dactyl of 2nd leg.

(In 6 and g the dots represent sockets of hairs. In d and f the finger

is not fully drawn in.)

margins of 4th joint, inner margin of 5th, and lower margin of 6th

(hand) of chelipeds serrate; palm of larger chela with granules evenly

disposed, no stridulating ridge; 3rd joint without a polished ridge,

only a few granules and a polished apical knob. 6th joints of 2nd and

3rd legs more or less furry; dactyls (fig. 17, 6) with the 2 keels on

frontal surface subparallel, not concealing the lateral keels in front

view. 5th segment of abdomen of ¢$ distinctly broader than long

(nearly twice).

Length up to 35 mm., breadth 40 mm.

86 Annals of the South African Museum.

Localities. —Natal (Krauss, Stebbing); Mozambique (Hilgendorf);

Amanzemtoti, Natal (Lenz); Delagoa Bay (Lourenzo Marques Mus.).

Distribution.—Mauritius; east coast of Africa to Red Sea, Indo-

Pacific to Japan. Sometimes in fresh water (de Man).

Ocypode ceratophthalmus (Pallas)

Hie, 15 e7d: 3

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 64 (cursor, non Linn.).

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 802.

1881. de Man, Notes Leyden Mus., iii, p. 245.

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 60.

1897. Id., l. ¢., p. 364:

1900. Alcock, 1. ¢., p. 345.

1902. de Man, Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxv, p. 477, pl. 19, figs. 1, 1, a

(chela).

1907. Stimpson (ed. Rathbun), Smiths. Misc. Coll., xlix, p. 108,

pl. 12, fig. 2 (growth of eyes).

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 326.

1917. Id., Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 11 (urville: =juv.).

1918; Tesch, 1; cr, sp. a0:

1929. Cott, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., ii, p. 755, pl. 1, 1 text-fig:

(habits).

1937. Chopra and Das, I. c., p. 418, fig. 17, a, 6 (1st plp. 3).

1947. Buitendijk, Zool. Med., xxviii, p. 281, fig. 1 (1st plp. g).

Carapace widest sometimes across the epibranchial area, sometimes

across the antero-lateral angles, which are shortly acute and slightly

turned outwards. LHye-stalks produced in a long styliform process

beyond cornea, usually longer in ¢ than in 9, but variable in both

sexes; short in half-grown specimens, and quite undeveloped in

juveniles. Upper orbital margin oblique, a line joining the outer

orbital angles being well behind base of front; lower orbital margin

with an indistinct notch in middle, no notch at outer orbital margin.

Lower margins of 4th joints of chelipeds and legs, both borders of

hand, and upper border of finger of chelipeds serrate; a single strong

tooth on inner margin of 4th joint of chelipeds (often with smaller

accessory teeth); palm of larger chela rather sparsely granulate,

except near lower border, stridulating organ beginning above with a

few rounded granules, followed by several rather widely spaced striae,

and then more numerous close-set striae, the number of spaced and

close-set striae variable, 14-20 and 15-30 respectively, that part of

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 87

the ridge occupied by striae being strongly furry in front; polished

ridge on 3rd joint well developed, occupying at least half length of

joint on larger cheliped, shorter on smaller cheliped. 6th joints of

2nd and 3rd legs furry; dactyls as in cordemanus, usually with strong

fringe of hairs on anterior lateral margin. 5th segment of abdomen 3

slightly broader than long.

Length up to 40 mm., breadth 45 mm. Milky- or greyish-white.

Localities—Natal (Krauss, Kingsley); Mozambique (Hilgendorf);

Port Elizabeth (Ortmann); Durban (Stebbing); Mossel Bay, Port

St. Johns, Umkomaas, Scottburgh, Durban, Delagoa Bay, Chinde

(S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Mauritius, east coast of Africa to Red Sea, Indo-

Pacific.

Ocypode kuhlu de Haan

Fig. 17, e-g.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 64 (cordimana, non Desm.).

1881. de Man, I. c., p. 250.

1882. Miers, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5), x, p. 384, pl. 17, figs. 8, 8 a, b.

1894. Ortmann, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., vil, p. 761, pl. 23, fig. 19, a.

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 59.

1897. Id., l. c., pp. 359, 364.

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 327.

1912. Lenz, Ark. Zool., vu, no. 29, p. 6.

1918. Tesch, I. c., p. 36 (kuhls).

1933. Rathbun, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. Harv., lxxv, p. 260, pl. 7.

1934. Gordon, Res. Sci. Ind. orient. Néerland, i, fasc. 15, p. 9

(kuhlt).

Carapace widest across the epibranchial area, the antero-lateral

angles directed outwards. Hye-stalks without terminal prolongation.

Upper orbital margin not oblique, a line joining the antero-lateral

angles at least as far forward as base of front; lower orbital margin

with an obscure notch in middle; outer orbital margin deeply notched.

Chelipeds and legs as in cordimanus, but hand of both chelipeds more

elongate, its upper as well as lower margin serrate; palm of larger

chela granulate, stridulating organ of 8-10 small round or ovoid

tubercles situated in upper half of palm; polished ridge on 3rd joint

occupying less than half length of joint, with a few granules proximally

on smaller cheliped only a few granules and an apical polished knob

88 Annals of the South African Museum.

6th joints of 2nd and 3rd legs not furry; dactyls more expanded, but

strongly depressed dorso-ventrally (fig. 17, g), the 2 frontal keels

forming the lateral margins and concealing the true lateral keels in

front view. 5th segment of abdomen ¢ 14 times as broad as long.

Length up to 38 mm., breadth 45 mm. Milky- or greyish-white,

junctions of the joints of chelipeds and legs often reddish.

Localities.—Natal (Kingsley, rydert); Amanzemtoti, Natal (Lenz);

Port Elizabeth (Ortmann); Port St. Johns, Scottburgh, Mozambique

Is. (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Kast coast of Africa, Indo-Pacific to Japan.

Remarks.—Tesch mentions an example with only 6-7 tubercles

“placed irregularly in the ventral part of the (stridulating) organ”

[italic mine].

A photograph of McLeay’s specimen shows clearly that it is this

species.

Ocypode cursor (Linn.)

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 802.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 326.

1921. Rathbun, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., xl, p. 461, pl. 52

(wppeus).

1923. Odhner, Medd. Goteb. Mus., xxxi, p. 23.

1927. Monod, Faune Col. frang. Cameroun, p. 609 (hippeus).

Carapace widest across the antero-lateral angles, which are directed

outwards. LHye-stalks ending in a short conical process bearing a

brush of hairs. Upper orbital margin transverse; lower border with

slight median notch, outer orbital margin deeply notched. Upper

margin of hand of chela not serrate; stridulating ridge formed of

numerous fine striae; polished ridge on 3rd joint occupying more than

half length of joint in larger cheliped, shorter in smaller cheliped.

Lower surfaces of 6th joint of 2nd and 3rd legs strongly tuberculate,

almost spinose, upper surfaces granulate but not furry; dactyls of

2nd and 3rd legs narrow ovate-lanceolate, those of 4th and 5th legs

narrower; that of 3rd leg strongly furry on lateral and lower surfaces,

that of 5th leg on its anterior margin only.

Length up to 44 mm., breadth 51 mm. (S. Afr. Mus.).

Locality.—Gt. Fish Bay, Angola (Doflein).

Distribution.—Mediterranean, west coast of Africa; Lobito Bay

(S. Afr. Mus.), Port Alexander, Angola (Odhner).

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 89

Gen. Uca Leach

Fiddler-crabs ; Boxer-crabs ; Calling-crabs.

1814. Leach, Edin. Encycl., vu, p. 430.

1817. Latreille, Nouv. Dict. Hist. Nat., xu, p. 517 (Gelasimus).

1891. de Man, Notes Leyden Mus., xiii, p. 20 (Gelasumus) (key to

Indo-Pacific species).

1910. Stebbing, 1. ¢., p. 327.

1918. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 97, p. 374.

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix ¢, p. 37.

1919. Kemp, Rec. Ind. Mus., xvi, p. 307, footnote (Gelasimus).

1922. Hyman, Ann. Rep. Smiths. Instit. for 1920, pp. 443 sqq,

6 pls. (habits, development).

1928. Maccagno, Boll. Mus. Zool. Turin, xli, no. 11, pp. 1-52,

figs. (key).

1934. Gordon, Res. Sci. Ind. orient. Néerland, iti, fasc. 15, p. 10

(Gelasimus). _

1937. Chopra and Das, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxix, p. 421 (Gelasimus).

1940. Crane, Zoologica, xxv, p. 72 (megalopa compared with that

of Ocypode).

1941. Id., wbid., xxvi, p. 145, pls. 1-9, text-figs. 1-8 (W. coast

American spp., morphology, habits).

1943. Id., ibed., xxvill, p. 217, fig. 1 (display, breeding).

Body deep. Carapace broader than long, regions ill-defined, front

deflexed. Eyes terminal on long slender stalks. Chelipeds weak and

subequai in 9, finger and thumb apically spooned, in $ one of them

enormously enlarged, no stridulating organ, smaller chela resembling

those of 9. Legs strong, dactyls fluted. A cavity, fringed with long

hairs, between bases of 3rd and 4th legs. Abdomen with 7 segments

in 9, in § with 7 or some of them coalesced.

Remarks.—¥iddler-crabs are gregarious on tropical and subtropical

muddy shores and mangrove swamps. For the habits of these crabs

see Alcock (1892, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), x, p. 415), Stebbing (1893,

Hist. Crust., pp. 89 sqq.), and Hyman (1922); Monod (1927, Fauna

Colon. frang. Cameroun, p. 612, fig. 1) gives a picture of the ¢ and

2 feeding.

The apparently numerous species of this genus, owing to a certain

amount of variation, chiefly in the large chela of the 3, have caused

considerable taxonomic trouble, and it is only recently that the

foundations for a correct discrimination of the species have been laid

30 Annals of the South African Museum.

by an examination of the 1st pleopods of the gg. As Gordon (1934)

has shown, this appendage has valuable taxonomic characters.

Following up this line of investigation, I have figured the 1st pleopod g

of four species found in South Africa. In all these species the basal

opening of the seminal channel is guarded by a setose flap on the

inner side of the appendage. The apices, as will be seen from the

figures, offer good specific characters (cf. Crane, I. c., 1943, fig. 1).

The most southerly locality for Fiddler-crabs (marionis and annuli-

pes) on the east coast, of which I have record, is 10 miles south of Port

St. Johns, Pondoland; and on the west coast, St. Paul de Loanda.

Key to the South African Species (Males).

A. Front narrow (fig. 18, a, d).

1. Inner margin of 4th joint of large chela with

prominent acute tooth . ; 5 5 . marionis.

2. Inner margin of 4th joint without tooth . . urviller.

B. Front broad (fig. 18, g, 7).

1. Oblique ridge on lower part of palm of large chela 3

absent. Finger of large chela with prominent

subapical tooth ; ‘ ; :

2. Oblique ridge present. No subapical tooth on finger.

a. Upper border of hand of large chela with raised

edge, and a groove on outer surface . . chlorophthalmus.

b. Upper border of hand rounded.

i. 4th joints of legs at least 3 times as long as

inversa.

broad. : : : : . lactea.

ii. 4th joints of legs less than 3 times as long

as broad : : ; 3 . annulipes.

The $9 can be separated into species with narrow and species with

broad fronts, but further specific characters seem to be lacking.

Uca marionis (Desm.)

Figs. 18, a-c, 19, d.

1880. Kingsley, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., pt. 1, p. 140, pl. 9,

fig. 7 (cultromanus), and p. 141, pl. 9, fig. 8 (marionis).

1891. de Man, Notes Leyden Mus., xiii, p. 23, pl. 2, figs. 5, 5, a

(chelae) (vocans).

1902. Id., Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxv, p. 487 (synonymy).

? 1917. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 15 (arcuatus, non de

Haan).

1918, Tesch, I. c., p. 38.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 91

1920. McNeill, Rec. Austral. Mus., xii, p. 105, figs. 1-5 and pl. 19

(typical form and vars.).

1921. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., 11, p. 16 (netidus).

1926. Barnard, Trans. Roy. Soc. 8. Afr., xin, p. 120 (vocans).

1928. Maccagno, |. c., p. 23, fig. 9, and p. 24, figs. 10, 11 (var.

nitida).

> Ed.

Fic. 18.—Uca marionis(Desm.). a, front of carapace. b,c, outer surface ¢ chela.

Uca urvillei (M. Edw.). d, front of carapace. e, outer surface ¢ chela. f, Ist

and 2nd abdominal segments ¢.

Uca annulipes (M. Edw.). g, front of carapace. h, outer surface ¢ chela.

z, Ist and 2nd abdominal segments ¢.

Uca chlorophthalmus (M. Edw.). J, front of carapace. k, outer surface ¢ chela.

Uca inversa (Hoffm.). JU, inner view ¢ chela of smithii (after Kingsley). m, outer

surface ¢ chela.

Front narrow. Lateral margins of carapace moderately con-

vergent behind; no fine raised line defining the dorsal surface laterally

except in front of epibranchial region. Lower border of orbit with a

single row of crenulations. Large cheliped of adult 3, 4th joint with

upper margin distinct, and a prominent triangular tooth on inner

margin, 5th joint with blunt spine on inner margin, hand with upper

92 Annals of the South African Museum.

and lower borders well defined, outer surface with large granules,

inner surface with 2 prominent granulose ridges, thumb with a groove

or line of pits on outer surface, cutting-edge simply sinuous, or with

one or two triangular teeth, finger usually with one tooth on distal

third of cutting-edge. Abdomen of 3 with 7 segments, a transverse

ridge across segment 1, segment 2 very short. Ist pleopod g, outer

Fie. 19.—Left lst pleopod 3. Ina viewed from outer side, in b-e from dorsal

(concave) side, the internal (median) edge being on the right in b-e.

a, b, Uca urvillet (M. Edw.). c Uca chlorophthalmus (M. Edw.). d, Uca marionis

(Desm.). e, Uca annulipes (M. Edw.).

margin setose along whole length, apex trilobed, a small setose lobe

on outside and 2 large lobes, the outer of which bears an acute process,

and the inner one a broader channelled process, both these lobes

strongly setose (only partly shown in figure), the seminal channel near

apex crosses over to the outer side and then curves back again to open

on the inside of the channelled process.

Length up to ¢ 16 mm., breadth 26 mm. -Brownish orange, large

chela 3 pale orange below, purple above.

Localities.—Durban (Stebbing); Delagoa Bay (Barnard); mouth

of Umgazana River, 10 miles 8S. of Port St. Johns (S. Afr. Mus.).

a a ase

. .

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 93

Distribution.—Mauritius (8. Afr. Mus.). Madagascar, east coast of

Africa to Red Sea, Indo-Pacific, Queensland and New South Wales.

Remarks.—The lack of a demarcating line between the sides and

the dorsum of the carapace, and the tooth of the 4th joint of the large

cheliped 4, distinguish this species from all other South African species.

The fact that Stebbing was inclined to include vocans M. Edw.

(pl. 3, fig. 4), and his reference to the shape of the chela, seems to

indicate that his material, or part of it, should be referred to marionis

and not to arcuata.

The name nitidus, invoked by Stebbing (1921), is not available

as it is preoccupied by Desmarest for a fossil species (Tesch, 1. c.,

p- 38).

This species seems to be rare in South Africa. At Delagoa Bay

(Inyack Island) I found them in 1912 on sandy beaches; they were

much shyer than the other species living in the mangrove swamps,

and to capture them it was necessary to dig them out of their burrows.

In front of the females the males raise themselves on the tips of their

claws and then let themselves drop quickly, as if heaving a great

sigh.

Uca urviller (M. Edw.)

Figs. 18, d—f, 19, a, b.

¢ 1843. Krauss, Siidafrik. Crust., p. 39 (arcuatus, non de Haan).

1852. Milne Edwards, Ann. Sci. Nat., xvii, p. 148, pl. 3, fig. 10.

1869. Hilgendorf, v. d. Decken’s Reise, Crust., p. 84, pl. 4, fig. 1

(dussumiert, non M. Edw.).

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 59.

1900. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxix, p. 362.

? 1905. Stebbing, Mar. Invest. S. Afr., iv, p. 40 (arcwata, non de

Haan).

1910. Id., l. ¢., p. 327 (arcuata, non de Haan).

Front narrow, its groove narrower than the raised margin. Lateral

margins of carapace strongly convergent behind; a fine raised line

from the outwardly directed antero-lateral tooth to two-thirds

distance to hind margin. Lower border of orbit crenulate, with an

accessory row of granules within the margin. Large cheliped 3, 4th

and 5th joints without tooth or spine, hand with upper and lower

borders well defined, outer surface with large granules, inner surface

with the usual oblique and double granulate ridges, thumb grooved

94 Annals of the South African Museum.

on outer surface, cutting-edge with a single tooth near middle, finger

with cutting-edge denticulate, a few of the denticles larger than the

others, but no tooth near apex. Abdomen with 7 segments in 4,

lst segment with a short transverse ridge on each side, interrupted —

medianly, with a seta in a pit behind it. Ist pleopod g with distal

expansion on inner margin, with spines and setae, apex strongly

chitinised and curving dorsally, seminal channel opening apically.

Length up to ¢ 15 mm., breadth 26 mm. Greyish blue, large chela

bright red (Krauss).

Localities —Durban Bay (Krauss, Stebbing); Durban Bay and

Delagoa Bay (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Kast coast of Africa, Madagascar, Madras, Nicobars,

Mergui, Vanicoro.

Remarks.—U. dussumieri and urville: are very closely allied species,

the latter being distinguished by the accessory row of granules on

lower orbital border. But de Man (1891) has recorded specimens

showing traces of this accessory row, which in other respects (shape of

carapace) resemble typical dussumiert. The fine raised dorso-lateral

lines converge more rapidly in wrviller than in dussumiert. As the

South African specimens have the accessory row of granules quite

distinct, and the lst pleopod ¢ unlike that figured by Gordon (1934)

for dussumiert, they are assigned to wrvillet.

This form is in all probability that which Krauss and Stebbing

assigned to arcuata, a species which does not seem to exist in the

western portion of the Indian region.

Uca wnversa (Hoffm.)

Wig, 18; 1, mm,

1874. Hoffmann, Crust... .Madag, Réunion, p. 19, pl. 4, figs.

23-26.

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 803 (chlorophthalmus,

non M. Edw.).

1880. Kingsley, J. c., p. 144, pl. 9, fig. 14 (chela) (smithi).

1891. de Man, I. c., p. 44, pl. 4, fig. 12 (chela).

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reuse, v, p. 59.

1900. Alcock, l. ¢., pp. 355, 356 (var. sindensis).

1910. Stebbing, Ll. c., p. 328.

1928. Maccagno, l. c., p. 26, fig. 13.

1942. Chace, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. Harv., xci, p. 202.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 95

Front broad. Lateral margins strongly convergent behind. Lower

orbital margin (seen from above) slightly concave in middle, not

crenulate except at external rounded angle, no accessory row of

granules. Large cheliped $, 4th joint with upper outer margin

dilated into a denticulate crest, 5th joint with inner margin denticulate,

hand with upper margin separated from outer surface by a row of

granules, outer surface granulate above, smooth (minutely granulate)

below, lower margin granulate, palm without the oblique ridge found

in other species, only the double transverse granulate ridge near the

finger-hinge, thumb not grooved on outer surface, cutting-edge with

a tooth just before middle, finger with a tooth immediately behind

apex, and sometimes a second one a little farther back.

Localities.—Natal (Kingsley); Mozambique (Hilgendorf).

Distribution.—Madagascar, E. coast of Africa, Red Sea.

Remarks.—Although Kingsley placed his species smithiz in the

narrow-fronted group, Ortmann has identified it with enversa (? after

inspection of Kingsley’s type); Kingsley’s brief description is not

inconsistent, barring the width of the front.

Uca chlorophthalmus (M. Edw.)

RiesaeSay ya ic 19) sc

1902. de Man, Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxv, p. 484, pl. 19, fig. 4.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 327.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., u, p. 104.

[Not chlorophthalmus McLeay 1838, nor Hilgendorf 1869 and

1878.]

Front broad. Lateral margins strongly convergent behind,

antero-lateral angles very acute, directed obliquely outwards. Upper

orbital margin rather oblique; lower orbital margin without accessory

row of granules. Large cheliped 3, outer surface of 4th joint some-

what squamose, upper margin somewhat granulate, upper border of

hand margined with a raised granulate edge, with groove on its outer

side, outer surface finely granulate, the granules slightly larger in

the upper part, sometimes a shallow furry depression near base of

thumb (cf. Tesch, I. ¢., p. 40), imner surface of palm with the usual

oblique granulate ridge, and 2 rather widely separated rows of granules

near finger-hinge, the distal row continued more or less on to base of

thumb, the more proximal row sometimes feeble, or reduced to 4-5

oranules, lower edge granulate, with groove on outer side, but groove

96 Annals of the South African Museum.

not extending on to base of thumb, the latter not grooved on outer

surface, cutting-edge with 2-4 teeth, the most distal one just before

tip, finger not grooved on outer surface, only a short groove basally

near upper edge, where there are a few granules, cutting-edge with

2-3 teeth. Abdomen ¢ with 7 segments, 5th segment 14 times as

broad as long, and slightly longer than either 4th or 6th (cf. de Man,

1888, triangularis). 1st pleopod ¢ distally with digitiform process

on inner margin, apex truncate conical, the seminal channel opening

apically.

Carapace bluish grey with paler mottling, large chela ¢ red, finger

and thumb paler.

Localities.—Isipingo, Natal (Stebbing); Durban Bay, Delagoa Bay

(S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Mauritius; East Indies.

Remarks.—Stebbing remarked that this species could not be

included in the South African fauna-list merely on McLeay’s record.

In fact, McLeay’s specimen is now proved (by photograph) to be

annulipes.

The specimens above described, however, appear to be this species,

or possibly gaamardi. de Man (1891, p. 42) separates these two species

on the shape of the hand of the large chela 3 (length including finger

and thumb 24 times the width in chlorophthalmus, 3 times in gaimardt).

But the South African Museum specimens, otherwise identical, exhibit

both “long” and “‘short” hands. Tesch (I. c., p. 40, under garmardt)

makes the same observation, and doubts whether the two species are

really distinct. The name chlorophthalmus has priority.

This species is easily distinguished from the other South African

species; itis not triangularis as the finger of large chela is not grooved,

and there are 2 (albeit variable in development; cf. de Man, 1891,

p. 43) rows of granules on palm near the finger-hinge.

Uca lactea (de Haan)

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 327.

1917. Id., Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 16, pl. 4.

1928. Maccagno, I. c., p. 29, fig. 15.

Front broad. Lateral margins nearly parallel, antero-lateral angles

directed forwards. Lower orbital margin slightly convex, crenulate

along whole margin, without accessory row of granules. Large

cheliped 3, upper outer margin of 4th joint somewhat granulate,

upper surface of hand rounded, outer surface finely granulate above,

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 97

smooth (minutely granulate) below, lower border very finely granulate,

palm with the usual oblique ridge near finger-hinge, outer surface of

thumb without furrow near lower border, cutting-edge with a tooth

just before middle, and slightly arcuate immediately before tip, which

is never notched-truncate, finger with a tooth just before middle, but

_ no tooth near tip. 4th joints of walking legs not strongly expanded,

3 to nearly 4 times as long as wide.

Sky-blue with greenish brown, or blackish blue with pale grey

mottling, large chela bright red (Krauss).

Locality.— Durban Bay (Krauss, Stebbing).

Distribution.—India, East Indies, China, Japan.

Remarks.—Stebbing’s figure of the chela shows a groove near lower

margin of thumb and thus conflicts with de Man’s statement (1891,

p- 45); but the 4th joints of the legs appear to be narrow, this being

the only character Stebbing indicates in support of his identification.

The presence of this species in South Africa requires confirmation.

Uca annulipes (M. Edw.)

Figs. 18, g-2, 19, e.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 64 (chlorophthalmus, non

M. Edw.).

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 803.

1884. Miers, Crust., H.M.S. Alert, p. 541.

1887. de Man, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxii, p. 118, pl. 8, figs. 5-7

(chelae) (Gelasimus a.).

1894. Ortmann, Semon Austral. Reise, v, p. 59.

1915. Kemp, Mem. Ind. Mus., v, p. 221.

1917. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., ui, p. 16 (references).

1928. Maccagno, I. c., p. 35, fig. 20, and var. orventalis, p. 36, fig. 21.

1934. Gordon, l. ¢., p. 10.

Front broad. Lateral margins convergent behind, antero-lateral |

angles directed obliquely outwards. Lower orbital margin crenulate

along whole length, with accessory row of granules in 2? only, not in 3.

Large cheliped 3, upper surface of 4th joint feebly and sparsely granu-

late, upper surface of hand rounded, whole outer surface smooth

(minutely granulate), lower border not granulate, palm with the usual

oblique ridge and double ridge near finger-hinge, thumb grooved near

lower margin on outer surface, cutting-edge with 3—4 teeth, the distal

subapical one sometimes strongly developed (var. orientalis), some-

VOL. XXXVIII. a

98 Annals of the South African Museum.

times the edge merely arcuate at this place (de Man, 1887, pl. 8, fig. 7),

finger with 2—4 teeth, but no enlarged tooth just before tip, sometimes

without any enlarged teeth (de Man, pl. 8, fig. 7). Walking legs rather

strongly expanded, not 3 times as long as wide. Abdomen of ¢ with

7 segments, Ist segment usually with an obscure transverse ridge on

either side, interrupted medianly, with a seta in a pit behind it and near

the outer margin, 5th segment twice as broad as long, slightly longer

than 4th and subequal in length to 6th. Ist pleopod ¢ distally with

digitiform process on inner margin, apex flattened, and rather broadly

spatulate, the seminal channel opening subapically on the ventral

(convex) side.

Length up to g 11 mm., 2? 9 mm., breadth ¢ 20 mm., 2 16 mm.

Carapace blackish, or bluish black, with milk-white mottling, legs

reddish, large chela salmon.

Localities—Inhambane and Mozambique (Hilgendorff); mouth of

Zambesi River (Miers); Durban (Miers, Stebbing); Durban, Delagoa

Bay, Inhambane, and mouth of Umgazana R., 10 miles 8. of Port St.

Johns (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—East coast of Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, Indo-

Pacific.

Remarks.—This seems to be the commonest species in South Africa.

It inhabits muddy shores and mangrove swamps. Boyce (1924,

S. Afr. J. Nat. Hist., iv, p. 250) has given a popular account of its

habits.

Gen. DotiLtLa Stimpson

1900. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxix, p. 363.

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 329.

1917. Zd., Ann. Durban Mus., ui, p. 17.

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix c, p. 43 (key to species).

1919. Kemp, Rec. Ind. Mus., xvi, p. 324.

1940. Ramadan, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 5, p. 253 (zoea stage).

Body deep, subcubical or subglobose. Carapace as broad as, or

broader than long, dorsal and lateral surfaces sculptured with

convoluted grooves; front narrow, deflexed. Eye-stalks long,

cornea terminal. Buccal cavity and mxp. 3 very large, 4th joint of

latter sculptured with convoluted grooves; penultimate joint of

endopod of mx. 2 greatly expanded. Chelipeds equal in both sexes,

finger and thumb slender, acute. 4th joints of chelipeds and legs with

oval membranous spaces (tympana or “‘windows’’); similar spaces

sometimes also on some of the sternites. Abdomen with 7 segments

oS a eee ee ee le

ee ee, is

-. 4 heres es ee

Ef lt

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 99

in both sexes, hind margin of 4th segment thickly fringed with setae,

5th segment not constricted in g. No brushes of hairs between bases

of any of the legs.

Remarks.—Easily recognized among South African genera by the

tympana or “windows” on the legs (see Kemp, 1918, Mem. Asiat. Soc.

Bengal, vi, p. 228). Gregarious on muddy and sandy shores. For

remarks on the sexes, and dimorphism, see Kemp (I. c., 1919, pp. 324,

Jol sqq.).

Dotilla fenestrata Hilg. 1869.

Ries 20550, 0:

1843. Krauss, Stidafr. Crust., p. 30 (Doto sulcatus).

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 806.

1904. Doflein, D. Tiefsee Exp., vi, p. 128.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 329.

1917. Id., l.c., p. 18, pl. 5 (clepsydra).

1919. Kemp, l. c., p. 327 (references).

1921, Bigalke, 8. Afr. J. Nat. Hist., i, p. 205 (habits).

1934. Balss, Faune Col. Frang., v, p. 521 (var.).

1941. Gordon, Proc. Linn. Soc. Lond., 153 Sers., pt. 1, p. 136,

eet, a. (plp. | 3).

Carapace broader than long, smooth grooves in shape of a 5-rayed

star, median anterior one continued to apex of front, antero-lateral

ones directed towards middle of orbital margin, postero-lateral ones

towards but not reaching postero-lateral angles above insertion of

5th legs; behind the latter grooves a V-shaped groove enclosing a

triangular space which is pitted or feebly granulate and without

cardiac grooves; hind margin straight; a lateral groove from base of

5th leg, anteriorly bifurcate, outer branch of the fork running to the

short antero-lateral projection which bears a tuft of setae; rest of

carapace finely granulate. Sternal tympana on 2nd and 3rd segments,

sometimes also on the lst (cheliped segment) and 4th segments,

sometimes asymmetrically developed. Cheliped with a spiniform or

digitiform process on under side near base of the joint in g, small

in juv. and 9; finger and thumb longer than palm, each with a tooth

on inner edge. lst pleopod ¢ rather slender, sinuous, distal quarter

curving rather sharply outwards, outer margin setose except distally,

apex slightly hooked, with a subapical fringe of plumose setae on

inner anterior margin.

100 Annals of the South African Museum.

Length ¢ 10 mm., breadth 13 mm. Pale yellowish, with slightly

darker markings on carapace.

Localities.—Durban Bay (Krauss, Stebbing, Gordon); Inhambane

(Hilgendorf); Mozambique (Hilgendorf, Miers, Gordon); Durban,

Fic. 20.—Dotilla fenestrata Hilg. a, carapace. 6, lst pleopod ¢, with apex

further enlarged.

Macrophthalmus grandidiert M. Edw. c, carapace g. d, part of carapace 9.

e, Ist pleopod 3g, with apex further enlarged.

Macrophthalmus boscii Aud. f, part of carapace. g, h, i, ventral, median, and

dorsal views respectively of lst pleopod g, with cross-section.

Macrophthalmus hilgendorfi Tesch. J, part of carapace (after Tesch).

Delagoa Bay, Inhambane, Beira, Chinde, Mozambique (8. Afr. Mus.,

coll. K, H. B.1912).

Distribution.—lbo; Zanzibar, Dar-es-Salaam and Mombasa;

Madagascar.

Remarks.—Farther north this species is replaced by the closely

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 101

allied sulcata (Forskal), which is distinguished by having no sternal

tympana and no teeth on the inner edges of finger and thumb of

chelipeds.

“hap: eae B

Gen. MACROPHTHALMUS Latr.

1915. Tesch, Zool. Med. Mus. Leiden, 1, pp. 149-204.

1917. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 12.

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix c, pp. 57, 58.

1919. Kemp, Rec. Ind. Mus., xvi, pp. 383-394.

Body shallow. Carapace broader than long, regions well defined,

cervical and branchial grooves defining two teeth on lateral margin.

Front relatively narrow, deflexed. EHye-stalks slender, elongate,

sometimes extending beyond lateral margins of carapace, cornea

terminal. Buccal cavity and mxp. 3 rather large, 3rd and 4th joints

of latter not quite meeting in middle line, leaving a lozenge-shaped

gap. Chelipeds equal or subequal, but much enlarged in 34, short and

feeble in 9, finger and thumb bent inwards. 3rd legs longest and

stoutest, 2nd and 5th short, the latter shortest. No brushes of hairs

between bases of any of the legs. Abdomen with 7 segments in both

sexes.

Remarks—Kemp points out that the genus Euplax cannot be

precisely defined until the rediscovery of its type species, and that the

species boscii mentioned below might legitimately be retained in

Macrophthalmus, where its original author, and also Krauss, placed it.

Key to the South African [Mauritian, etc.] Species (after Tesch 1915).

A. Carapace about twice as broad as long. Outer surface of

hand ¢ with a ridge near lower margin, inner surface

(palm) with a spine.

1, External orbital tooth and Ist lateral tooth on cara-

pace crossed, or nearly at right angles to one

another (fig. 20, c, d).

a. HKye-stalks extending slightly beyond sides of

carapace A : [sulcatus, Mauritius].

b. Eye-stalks scarcely reaching inner margin of

Ist lateral tooth . . . grandidierr.

2. External orbital tooth and Ist lateral tooth pointing

approximately in same direction (fig. 20, j).

a. Length of hand ¢ chela (without thumb) 4 times

as long as high. Carapace with verrucose

tubercles laterally . : : < . [brevis, Mauritius].

102 Annals of the South African Museum.

b. Length of hand (without thumb) about twice as

long as high. Carapace without verrucose

tubercles - : : ; : . halgendorfi.

B. Carapace less than twice as broad as long, conspicuously

granulate. Inner surface (palm) of hand of ¢ chela

without spine.

1. 4 lateral teeth, incl. external orbital tooth [latreillec, Madagascar, etc. ].

2. 2 lateral teeth é : : ‘ : : . bosci.

Macrophthalmus grandidiert M. Edw.

Fig. 20, c-e.

1915. Tesch, l. ¢., p. 166, pl. 6, figs. 3, 3, a, b (references).

1917. Stebbing; 1s csp. U2e plea:

1934. Balss, Faune Col. Frang., v, p. 522.

1938. Monod, Mem. Inst. d’Egypte, xxxvu, p. 148, fig. 27.

Carapace finely granulate, rather more strongly so laterally where

there are sometimes 2 feebly raised patches of granules on the branchial

region, and a transverse ridge immediately in front of the branchial

groove. Supra-orbital margin rather strongly sinuous. External

orbital angle (tooth) directed outwards and meeting or overlapping, at

least in 3, the larger Ist lateral tooth, which points obliquely forwards

and outwards. A second, smaller, lateral tooth present. Hye-stalks

not reaching beyond inner margin of Ist lateral tooth. Cheliped d,

a conical tooth on inner surface of 5th joint, and one on inner surface

of hand near base, both often with subsidiary denticles; upper margin

of hand denticulate, a beaded or corded ridge on outer surface near

lower margin, continued as a faint smooth ridge along the thumb,

lower margin of hand and thumb granulate; thumb with oblong

denticulate tooth on middle of inner margin, finger with a similar

tooth at base, upper margin granulate; finger and thumb strongly

gaping, the distal width of hand about 12 in length of upper margin

of hand; in 9 finger and thumb less gaping, inner margins finely

denticulate. Ist pleopod ¢g slightly sinuous and tapering, seminal

canal opening into an apical cavity on dorsal side of appendage,

fringed with golden setae, a fine line (or suture) along inner edge of

appendage, outer edge setose.

Length up to g 16 mm., 2? 11 mm., breadth ¢ 33 mm., ? 21 mm.

Localities.—Durban (Stebbing); Durban Bay, Delagoa Bay,

Mozambique (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Zanzibar, Dar-es-Salaam, Kilwa, Red Sea, Mada-

gascar.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 103

Remarks.—The crossing of the two antero-lateral teeth appears

to take place only in the 3; in young ¢ the external orbital tooth,

just touches, and even in some adult $3 does no more than just touch,

the Ist lateral tooth; in the 2 there is a distinct but narrow gap

between the two teeth.

Macrophthalmus hilgendorfi Tesch

Fig. 20, 7.

1851. Bianconi, Spec. Zool. Mosamb., fasc. 5, p. 85 (carinimanus,

non M. Edw.).

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 806 (carznimanus, non

M. Edw.).

1915. Tesch, l. ¢., p. 172, pl. 7, figs. 6, 6, a, 6 (references).

1934. Balss, Faune Col. Frang., v, p. 522 (as syn. of grandidiert).

Carapace finely granulate, without raised patches of granules

(verrucose tubercles) laterally. External orbital tooth and Ist

lateral tooth pointing approximately in same direction obliquely

forwards; 2nd lateral tooth very feeble. Hye-stalks as in grandidiert.

Cheliped ¢ as in grandidiert.

Length up to. 15 mm., breadth 32 mm.

Locality—Mozambique (Bianconi, Hilgendorf); Delagoa Bay

(Lourenzo Marques Mus.).

Distribution.—Zanzibar, Red Sea, Madagascar.

Remarks.—I have seen only one 2, from Delagoa Bay; my Mozam-

bique specimens being definitely referable to grandidiert as regards

the character of the two antero-lateral teeth. It would seem as if the

species is not too well characterized, and Balss definitely regards it as

a synonym of grandidiert. Possibly the lst pleopod ¢ would provide

better differential characters, but this appendage does not appear to

have been studied in this genus.

Macrophthalmus boscu. Audouin

Fig. 20, fr.

1843. Krauss, Siidafrik. Crust., p. 40, pl. 2, fig. 5, a—-c.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 329 (Euplaz b.).

1915. Tesch, l. c., pp. 188, 192, 193 (Euplaz 6.).

1918. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 55 (Huplaz b.) (references).

104. Annals of the South African Museum.

1918. Tesch, l. c., p. 60 (Huplax 6b.) (references).

1919. Kemp, l. c., pp. 384, 391, pl. 24, fig. 6.

1938. Balss, Medd. Goteb. Mus., lxxv, p, 76.

Carapace subquadrangular, slightly broader than long, granulate,

regions defined by pilose grooves, lateral margins setose, with 2 antero-

lateral teeth, outer margins cf lst or external orbital teeth convergent

behind, 7.e. greatest width of carapace between tips of these teeth; 3rd

tooth practically obsolete. Hye-stalks a little longer than 4 breadth of

carapace. Gap between 3rd maxillipeds a little wider than in other

species of the genus. Hand of cheliped not greatly widened distally,

granulate ridge on outer surface very faint, finger with tooth near base,

cutting-edge of thumb crenulate; in g$ inner surfaces of joints of

chelipeds, including finger and thumb, thickly furred. Legs setose

and fringed with hairs. 6th segment of abdomen ¢ slightly wider

than 5th segment.

Length up to 14:5 mm., breadth 21 mm., ovig. 9 9x12 mm.

Yellowish with white hairs (Krauss and K. H. B.); chelae of g white

on outer surface (Tesch); whitish or greyish, scattered red specks

and dots on carapace and walking legs, chelae 3 white, pterygostomial

regions and anterior margin of buccal cavity more or less reddish (Hast

London specimen, preserved in formalin).

Localities.—Natal (Krauss): Mozambique (Miers); Durban Bay

(Stebbing); Delagoa Bay (coll. K. H. B. 1912); East London and Port

Alfred (coll. T. A. Stephenson).

Distribution.—Madagascar, Red Sea, east coast of Africa, Malaysia,

Oceania.

Gen. CLEISTOSTOMA de Haan

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 328. )

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix c, p. 61, and Para-

cleistostoma, p. 62.

1920. Stebbing, Ann. S. Afr. Mus., xvii, p. 239.

1924, 1d,,7bid,, xix,

1926. Rathbun, Rec. Austral. Mus., xv, p. 178.

1931. Gordon, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxxvii, figs. 26-28 (1st pleopod 3

of 3 species).

1932. Shen, Zool. Sinica, ix, p. 231 (Paracleistostoma) and p. 236

(figs. lst plp. g of 2 species).

1937. Tweedie, Bull. Raffles Mus., no. 13, pp. 157-160 (figs. 1st

pleopod 3 of 2 species).

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 105

Body shallow. Carapace broader than long, strongly vaulted

(Cleistostoma) or rather flattened (Paracleistostoma), regions not well

defined, lateral margins entire or with one tooth; front deflexed, its:

antero-lateral corners rounded (Cleistostoma) or angular and more or

less produced (Paracleistostoma). Hye-stalks not very long, rather

stout, cornea well developed, terminal. 3rd maxillipeds meeting in

middle line, 4th joint as long as or longer than 3rd. Chelipeds stout

in g, weak in 9, 3rd and 4th legs strongest. No brushes of hairs

between any of the legs. Abdomen with 7 segments in both sexes.

Key to the South African Species.

1. Antero-lateral corners of carapace sharp, tooth-like . edwardsi.

2. Antero-lateral corners rounded (2) with small blunt

point (3) : > edwards var.

Cleistostoma edwardsir McLeay

Fig. 21, a-g.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 64 (Clezstotoma [sic] e.).

1843. Krauss, Siidafrik. Crust., p. 40 (Cleistotoma [sic] e.).

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 328.

1939. Buitendijk, Zool. Medd., xxii, p. 76, figs. 1-5 (carapace,

chela 32, mxp. 3, abd., Ist plp. 3).

Carapace quadrangular, sparsely setose, but more closely setose in

the shallow grooves and hollows and on lateral margins, 1st antero-

lateral (external orbital) tooth sharp, curving slightly inwards, behind

it one distinct tooth and an obscure (especially so in 2) notch, carapace

widest anteriorly in g¢ posteriorly in. Antero-lateral corners of front

quadrate. Supra- and infra-orbital margins minutely granulate in 2

obscurely so in young 3, and smooth in adult g. Eye-stalks stout,

not tapering, with a few hairs in adult 3, cornea well developed. 3rd

maxillipeds close together in middle line, 4th joint subequal to 3rd,

antero-external margin somewhat strongly convex in adult d, exopod

concealed. Anterior margin of buccal cavity somewhat sinuous, but

not strongly bilobate. Cheliped $ robust, smooth, a row of very small

granules on upper margin of hand, finger with squarish tooth (relatively

smaller in adult than in young) near base, apex curved, granulate,

thumb distally with a groove, bordered on inner and outer side by a

denticulate ridge into which the finger apex fits, in young ¢ the inner

ridge is not developed; in 2 very weak (see fig. in Buitendijk). Legs

106 Annals of the South African Museum.

furry, and with fringes of longer whitish setae, 4th leg longest, 2nd and

5th shortest, dactyls flattened, fringed on both margins. Abdomen

in ¢ evenly tapering, except that the lateral margins of 5th segment

are concave to allow the protrusion of the folded Ist pleopods.

Fia. 21.—Cleistostoma edwardsii McLeay. a, carapace g. b, carapace 9. c, frontal

view of front. d, e, 3rd and 4th joints of mxp. 3 of smaller and larger f respectively.

f, chela 3. g, 1st pleopod 3.

Cleistostoma edwardsii var. h, carapace 2. 1, eye, dorsal view 9.

Tylodiplax blephariskios (Stebb.). j, carapace 9. k, eye, ventral view. 1, epi-

stome and 3rd maxillipeds.

Length up to ¢ 9 mm., non-ovig. 2 6 mm., breadth ¢ 11 mm.,

?8mm.; one ovigerous 2? 5:5 x7 mm.

Localities.—Knysna (Buitendijk, and S. Afr. Mus.); estuary of

Buffalo River, East London (coll. T. A. Stephenson).

Remarks.—Mr. Melbourne Ward tells me (4/3/37) that the type of

this species is not amongst the McLeay collection of South African

Crustacea in the Australian Museum.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 107

Buitendijk gives a brief description with useful figures, including

one of the Ist pleopod g. The crenulation of the carapace margin

in his figure is a little too strong. The shape of the front varies

according to the angle from which it is viewed; it may be quite

straight.

Cleistostoma edwardsw var.

Mies 21 eis

1920. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xvu, p. 239 (leachii) (not the

references to McLeay, Krauss, or Stebbing, 1910).

Stebbing’s ovigerous 2 and a single § from an unknown locality

(ex s.s. Pieter Faure coll.) differ only from the normal edwardsi, as

above described, in the following particulars.

Carapace and legs more densely setose than in any specimen of

edwardsw that I have seen, especially on the margin of the carapace

and on the legs in the g. External orbital corner with a very small

blunt point in g, but quite rounded in 2. KHye-stalks stout, but

tapering distally, cornea considerably smaller than in typical edwardsi,

but partly visible in dorsal view.

1st pleopod ¢ exactly similar to that of typical edwardsvv.

Length 8 mm., breadth 10 mm.

Locality.—Zwartkops River estuary, Port Elizabeth. 1 ovig. 2

(Stebbing); 1 ¢ without locality (S. Afr. Mus.).

Remarks.—The similarity of the 1st pleopod 3 would seem to be

against the institution of a separate species, though the denser setose

fringes of the carapace and legs, and especially the character of the

eye-stalks and cornea, are distinctive features.

Gen. TyLoprpLax de Man

1895. de Man, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., vill, p. 598.

1900. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxix, p. 373.

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix ¢, p 69.

Body shallow. Carapace broader than long, dorsally flat, lateral

borders divergent posteriorly, regions more or less defined, front not or

not strongly deflexed. EHye-stalks not very long, cornea very small.

Epistome with a fold on each side, causing the anterior margin of

buccal cavity to appear bilobed. 3rd maxillipeds meeting in middle

line except basally, 4th joit longer and wider than 3rd, antero-

108 Annals of the South African Museum.

external corner strongly lobed or auriculate, exopod more or less

exposed. Chelipeds even in adult g weak. 3rd and 4th legs longest.

No brushes of hairs between any of the legs. Abdomen with 7

segments in 9; in ¢ with 5, the 3rd—5th being fused but without

obliteration of the sutures (Alcock); 3 with 7 segments, evenly

tapering (Stebbing).

Tylodiplax blephariskios (Stebb.)

Fig. 21, 9-1.

1924. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xix, p. 3, pl. 1 (Crust., pl. 116)

(Clerstostoma b.).

Carapace smooth or feebly setose, antero-laterally rounded, without

tooth (Stebbing’s figure) or with a small blunt tooth, behind which the

lateral margin minutely granulate, regions ill-defined, front deflexed,

its antero-lateral corners quadrate, a median groove and a lateral

groove near the inner orbital margin, two inconspicuous humps

behind the front on anterior gastric region. Supra- and infra-orbital

margins smooth. Hye-stalk tapering distally, with long setae on

front and hind margins, cornea very small, terminal and ventral,

scarcely visible dorsally, feebly pigmented (Stebbing’s figure “oi”

(=oc) is correct, but the representation of the eyes im situ in figure

“car” is not good). 3rd joint of 3rd maxilliped narrow at base, 4th

joint strongly dilated. Cheliped setose, strong fringes along upper and

lower margins of hand, and in 2 along middle of outer surface of hand,

and along margin of finger and thumb, finger in ¢ with tooth near

middle, finger and thumb in 9 meeting along nearly whole length,

apices acute. Legs setose, dactyls flattened, with strong fringe on

both fore and hind edges. Abdomen (Stebbing’s figure presumably 3)

with 7 segments, evenly tapering; in 9 with 7 segments, the middle

segments very broad.

Length g 6 mm., ovig. 2? 7 mm., breadth ¢ 9-5 mm., 2? 11 mm.

Locality.—Delagoa Bay (Stebbing). Dredged in 3 fathoms, bottom

black mud (K. H. B. 1912).

Remarks.—The specimen sent to, and described by, Stebbing seems

to have been a G. It has not been returned to the South African

Museum. A second specimen, an ovigerous 2, has since been found

amongst my 1912 collection of marine organisms. It is here figured

and its description embodied in the above diagnosis of the species.

This species differs from tetratylophorus de Man (from Penang) in

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 109

its smooth carapace, and from indica Alcock (Karachi) in its rounded

antero-lateral margin and conspicuous “‘eye-lashes.”” (See Addenda.)

Famity GECARCINIDAE.

Land Crabs.

1900. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxix, pp. 283, 440 (Geocarcinidae).

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 324.

1918. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 97, p. 339.

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix ¢, p. 132.

Carapace vaulted, branchial regions inflated, lateral margins convex,

not sharply defined except anteriorly, front deflexed, its width con-

siderably less than greatest width of carapace, orbits small. 3rd

maxillipeds widely separated, 5th joint inserted in middle of apical

margin or at antero-external angle of 4th joint, exopod slender,

exposed or partly concealed. Chelipeds robust. Legs strong,

dactyls long, usually spinose. Male genital openings sternal.

Remarks.—Land crabs, usually brightly coloured, burrowing in

mud-banks, under stones or fallen trees, often at a considerable

distance away from water. Usually enters water only for spawning

[see Andrews, Monogr. Christmas Island, 1900, p. 163 (species wrongly

identified, fide Tesch)].

Gecarcinus lagostoma appears in Stebbing’s 1910 Catalogue with a

reference to Calman, who remarks that the history of the specimen

alleged to have come from the Cape of Good Hope cannot be traced,

and that there is no trustworthy evidence of the occurrence of this

species outside the Atlantic region. It occurs at Ascension Is. The

genus is distinguished from Cardisoma by the front-orbital width

being less than half the greatest width of carapace.

Gen. CARDISOMA Latr.

1910. Stebbing, l. ¢., p. 325.

1918. Rathbun, 1. c., p. 340.

1918. Tesch, l. ¢., p. 136.

Fronto-orbital width much more than half the greatest width of

carapace. Buccal cavity longer than wide. Hxopod of mxp. 3

exposed, with flagellum. Chelipeds equal or unequal. Dactyls of

legs spinose. Abdomen in both sexes with 7 segments.

Remarks.— The west African species armatum Herklots occurs as

far south as Angola (Rathbun, 1921, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist.,

xlii, p. 456, with figs., including photograph of burrow).

110 Annals of the South African Museum.

Cardisoma carnifex (Herbst)

Fig. 23, a.

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 801.

1910. Stebbing, l. ¢., p. 325.

1917. Zd., Ann. Durban Mus., 1, p. 437.

1918. Rathbun, J. c., p. 343 (differences between carnifer and —

guanhum).

1918) Nesch ites pe ai.

1934. Gordon, Res. Sci. Ind. orient Néerland, i, fasc. 15, p. 5

(comparison with hirtipes).

1934. Boone, Bull. Vanderbilt Mar, Mus., v, p. 187, pls. 97, 98.

Epibranchial tooth immediately behind outer orbital angle, lateral

margin of carapace strongly and abruptly bulging behind the epi-

branchial tooth, carapace strongly convex, regions indistinct. Width

of orbit not much more than half its length, infra-orbital border at

right angles to the lateral border. 4th joints of legs with bristles

only at distal end (Alcock), with a few hairs only at hind margin

(Tesch).

Length up to 66 mm., breadth 87 mm. Violaceous, chelipeds

bright red.

Localitues.—Mozambique (Hilgendorf); Durban Bay (Stebbing).

Distribution.—Mauritius, Madagascar, east coast of Africa, and

Indo-Pacific.

Remarks.—This crab would seem to be rare, or at least local, on the

Natal coast. In the course of a collecting trip from Natal to Mozam-

bique in 1912-13 I did not come across a single specimen. Neither

Dr. C. J. van der Horst nor Professor T. A. Stephenson have obtained

it in Delagoa Bay or Natal and Zululand. Being largely nocturnal in

habits it may possibly have escaped observation.

Famity GRAPSIDAE.

1880. Kingsley, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., pt. 2, p. 187.

1907. Borradaile, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), xix, p.485 (key, subfam.

typ. err.: for ““Ocypodinae” read Grapsinae).

1910. Stebbing, |. c., p. 316.

1918. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 97, p. 224.

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix c, p. 70.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 111

Carapace flattened or not strongly vaulted, subquadrangular,

lateral margins straight or only slightly convex, front very broad,

exceeding the length of the short thick eye-stalk. A gap, often wide,

between the 3rd maxillipeds (fig. 25, 6). Chelipeds robust, often

furry on palm or between finger and thumb. Legs strong. Male

genital openings sternal.

Remarks.—Kssentially littoral crabs, living on rocky coasts, sandy

beaches in mangrove swamps and estuaries of rivers, or even in fresh

water; Planes is pelagic on floating timber and weeds; Geograpsus is

terrestrial.

Key to the South African Genera.

I. Ant. 1 folding beneath front in usual manner (fig. 22, d, e).

A. No oblique hairy ridge on exposed surface of mxp. 3.

1. A wide gap between mxp. 3, exopod narrow.

Infra-orbital margin extending uninter-

ruptedly to buccal cavity (fig. 22, a,b). fo

abdomen fills all the space between bases

of 5thlegs . : : : ‘ F

a. Front less than half greatest width of

carapace (fig. 23, 5, c).

i, Finger and thumb of chela with

broad spooned apices ; . Grapsus.

ii, Finger and thumb with acute apices.

An opening, fringed with hairs,

between bases of 3rd and 4th

legs. Terrestrial . : ‘

b. Front half or more than half the greatest

width of carapace (fig. 23, d, e).

i, Ant. 2 entering orbit (fig. 22, 5, c).

a, Carapace depressed, very dis-

tinctly striated right across . Pachygrapsus.

B. Carapace convex, smooth . Planes.

ii, Ant. 2 excluded from orbit by lobe

or tooth at inner orbital angle

(fig. 22, a). Carapace feebly

striated laterally. No tooth

behind outer orbital tooth . Metopograpsus.

2. A moderate gap between mxp. 3, exopod broad.

Infra-orbital margin incomplete, supple-

mented by a suborbital crest (fig. 22, c).

Abdomen ¢ rarely occupying all the space

between bases of 5th legs (Varuninae) . Varuna.

B. An oblique hairy ridge on mxp. 3, between which is

a wide gap in middle line (fig. 25, 6) (Sesarminae).

(Grapsinae).

Geograpsus.

112 Annals of the South African Museum.

1. Lateral margin of carapace nearly straight,

greatest width anteriorly (sometimes post-

eriorly). Pterygostomial region very dis-

tinctly reticulate (fig. 25, b)

2. Lateral margin convex, greatest width across

middle of carapace

II. Ant. 1 folding longitudinally in deep Sey in ee front,

visible in dorsal view (fig. 26, a) (Plagusinae).

A. 4th joint of mxp. 3 as broad as 3rd. Hand of

cheliped not swollen, variously grooved, ae

or granulate (fig. 26, b, g)

B. 4th joint of mxp. 3 much smaller and narrower than

3rd. Hand of cheliped swollen, ies a in g,

smooth (fig. 26,7) .

Sesarma.

Cyclograpsus.

Plagusia.

Percnon.

Gen. Grapsus Lam.

1900. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxix, p. 390.

1910. Stebbing, l.-c., p. 317.

1918. Rathbun, l. c., p. 226.

191s> Tesch, 1: ¢:)3p.. 00:

a

(6 S.0.C. é

Fie. 22.—WMetopograpsus. a, ventral view of orbit, to show complete infra-orbital

margin (i.o.m.) and ant.2 excluded from orbit by inner orbital lobe (i.o.1.).

Pachygrapsus. , the same, showing ant. 2 entering the orbit.

Varuna. c, the same, showing incomplete infra-orbital margin supplemented

by the sub-orbital crest (s.0.c.).

Grapsus maculatus (Catesby). d, ventral view of front and epistome, ant. 1

removed, socket narrow.

Grapsus strigosus (Herbst). e, the same, socket broad.

Carapace little broader than long, depressed, branchial groove

distinct, hepatic and branchial regions with regular obliquely trans-

verse ridges, lateral margin convex with one tooth behind outer

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 113

orbital angle; front strongly deflexed. Orbit divided into 2 fossae.

Chelipeds subequal, shorter than legs, finger and thumb apically

spooned. Legs with broad and compressed joints, especially the

4th joints, dactyls spinose.

Remarks.—Common on rocky coasts.

Key to the South African Species.

1. Front much deflexed, its height half the distance between

eye-stalks. Sockets of ant. 1 very narrow, almost

closed by front. Epistome 3 times as wide as its

median length (fig. 22, d). 5th+6th joints of 4th leg

together longer than 4th joint. 2nd leg much shorter

than 5th : : : : : : ; . maculatus.

2. Front less deflexed, its height less than half distance

between eye-stalks. Sockets of ant. 1 wide open.

Epistome scarcely + as long as wide, a strong transverse

ridge on its lateral portions (fig. 22, e). 5th+6th

joints of 4th leg together equal to or only slightly

longer than 4th. 2nd and 5th legs subequal . . strigosus.

Grapsus maculatus (Catesby)

Figs. 22, d, 23, 6.

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 807.

1910. Stebbing, |. c., p. 317.

1912. Lenz, Ark. Zool., vu, no. 29, p. 6 (grapsus).

1918. Rathbun, l. c., p. 227, fig. 135, and pls. 53, 54 (grapsus).

ISS eseh, tc. p: 71, pl. 4, figs.2; 3.

1921. Rathbun, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., xl, p. 441, pl. 38

(grapsus), and pl. 56, fig. 1, pl. 57, fig. 2 (habitats).

1934. Boone, Bull. Vanderbilt Mar. Mus., v, p. 178, pl. 90 (grapsus).

1945. Stephensen, Dan. Sci. Invest. Iran. pl. 4, p. 194, fig. 59,

A-D (plp. 1, 2 3).

Alcock and Tesch have summarized the differences between this

and the next species. Both are somewhat variable, and both have

a slender-legged variety (gracilipes and longitarsis respectively).

The Atlantic (typical) form of maculatus has the lobe on the wrist

of cheliped very broad and ending in a short point, while the Indo-

Pacific form (tenwicrustatus Herbst) has the lobe narrow and ending

in a long slender spine.

Length up to 64 mm., breadth 68 mm. Dark green mottled with

yellow, red or yellow chelae, and mottled legs; or dark green with

VOL. XXXVIII. 8

114 Annals of the South African Museum.

yellow lines between the oblique ridges, reddish-yellow legs and blood-

red chelae (Krauss).

Localities. —Natal (Krauss, Kingsley); Amanzemtoti, Natal (Lenz);

Fia. 23,—a, Cardisoma carnifex (Herbst). 6, Grapsus maculatus (Catesby).

c, Geograpsus lividus (M. Edw.). d, Planes minutus (Linn.). e, Metopograpsus

messor (Forsk.). f, Varuna litterata (Fabr.).

Mozambique (Hilgendorf and 8. Afr. Mus.); Umhlali, Natal (coll. T. A.

Stephenson).

Distribution.—Mauritius, Madagascar, east coast of Africa, Indo-

Pacific. Typical form; tropical and subtropical America, Atlantic,

Ascension Is.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 115

Grapsus strigosus (Herbst)

Figs. 22, e, 24, a.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 66 (strigosa and flavipes).

1910. Stebbing, l. ¢., p. 317.

OTS Teseh, 1. ¢.,-p. (1, pl. 4, figs. 1, 4.

See key and remarks under maculatus. 1st pleopod ¢ stout, with

apical, strongly chitinized process concealed in a dense brush of setae

and bristles.

Dark brown, or greenish brown, mottled.

Localities.—Natal (Krauss, Kingsley, Miers, Stebbing); Mozambique

(Hilgendorf, Miers); Hast London, Natal coast, Delagoa Bay, Moz-

ambique (8. Afr. Mus.); Umblali, Natal (coll. T. A. Stephenson).

Distribution.—Madagascar, east coast of Africa, Indo-Pacific.

Remarks.—According to material at hand, this species seems to be

commoner in Natal than maculatus.

Gen. GEoGRAPSUS Stimpson

1858. Stimpson, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., p. 101.

1900. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixix, p. 394.

1918. Rathbun, l. c., p. 231.

OLS: Tesch, 1. ¢.; p.. 74.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., 11, p. 105.

Carapace flattened, lateral margins nearly straight; front not

strongly deflexed; ridges on hepatic and branchial regions transverse.

Epistome very short. Chelipeds more massive than legs, in adult ¢

at least as long as the longest leg, finger and thumb with acute apices.

Between the 3rd and 4th legs a narrow opening, fringed with hairs,

leading to the branchial chamber. Terrestrial.

Key to the South African [Mauritian]. Species.

1. Lateral margins of carapace coverging behind epibranchial

teeth, obtuse and not keeled in their posterior half . [grayz, Mauritius].

2. Lateral margins subparallel or slightly diverging posteriorly,

sharply keeled throughout : : : : . lividus.

116 Annals of the South African Museum.

Geograpsus lividus (M. Edw.)

Bigs 3235.16.

1837. Milne Edwards, Hist. Nat. Crust., 11, p. 85.

1895. de Man, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., ix, p. 88, and subsp. storma

de Man.

1898. Id. 1bid., x; ple 285 ea on dec:

1900. Alcock, 1. ¢., p. 396 (crintpes, non Dana; see Tesch, p. 74,

footnote).

1918. Rathbun, l. c., p. 232, pl. 55.

1918. Tesch, l. c., pp. 74, 75 (subsp. storms).

1921. Rathbun, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., xl, p. 442, pl. 15,

fig. 1, pl. 22, figs. 2, 3, and pl. 56, fig. 1, pl. 57, fig. 2 (habitats).

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (x1), 13, p. 362.

Lateral margins of carapace diverging posteriorly and sharply

keeled throughout. Cardiac and intestinal regions smooth except for

a few transverse striae immediately behind cervical groove. Width

of 4th joints of legs more than half their length; hind margin of 4th

joints of 2nd—4th legs distinctly dentate distally; last 3 joints of legs

with long bristles.

Length up to 40 mm., breadth 45 mm.

Localities.—Natal and Delagoa Bay (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Typical form; east and west coasts of tropical

America, West Indies, Cape Verde Is., Congo River mouth. Subsp.

storm: Madagascar, east coast of Africa, Indo-Pacific.

Remarks.—The first specimen, on which this species was included

in the South African fauna-list, was supplied by Mr. Bell Marley in

1926, and was stated to have come from the Natal coast. Ihave since

seen a specimen from Delagoa Bay, thus confirming its occurrence on

the South African coast.

The subsp. storms is distinguished by having the sharp keel from

antero-lateral corner of buccal cavity convex instead of straight or

slightly sigmoid.

Gen. PacnyGarapsus Randall

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 319.

1918. Rathbun, l. ¢., p. 240.

1918. Tesch, /. ¢., p. 75 (key to Indo-Pacific species).

1921. Stebbing, Ann. S. Afr. Mus., xviii, p. 458.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 117

1934. Gordon, Res. Sci. Ind. orient. Néerland, iii, fasc. 15, p. 7 (1st

plp. g of 2 species). —

Carapace quadrate, little convex, regions ill-defined, with transverse

ridges, lateral margin with 1-3 teeth, or none, behind outer orbital

tooth, front deflexed, half or more than half maximum width of

carapace. Lobe at lower inner angle of orbit small, so that ant. 2

is not excluded from orbit. Chelipeds equal or unequal, massive,

finger and thumb apically spooned.

Key to the South African Species.

—_

. No tooth behind outer orbital tooth ; : i . plicatus.

2. Three teeth behind outer orbital tooth . : ; . polyodous.

Pachygrapsus plicatus (M. Edw.)

Fig. 22, b, 24, b.

1843. Krauss, Stidafrik. Crust., p. 43, pl. 3, fig. 1, a-c.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 319 (kraussi).

1918. Tesch, /.'¢., p. 17 (references).

1934. Balss, Faune Col. Frang, v, p. 524.

Lateral margins feebly convergent posteriorly, without any tooth

behind outer orbital angle; transverse ridges well developed, extend-

ing right across carapace, each ridge fringed anteriorly with hairs.

Cheliped, 4th joint with a dentate inner lower margin, 5th joint with a

strong spine on inner margin and some granules on upper surface,

6th joint granulate above, outer surface with 4-5 finely beaded

longitudinal ridges, two of which are continued on to thumb, finger

granulate above at base. 4th joints of legs with transverse ciliate

ridges, 2 denticles at upper apex and 2 at lower apex, the former

obscure in 5th leg, the 4th joint of which has in addition a third tooth

on hind margin just before the middle (this is only the accentuated end

of one of the transverse ridges, and may explain how Krauss came to

figure the hind margin with several denticles); 5th and 6th joints with

longitudinal ciliate ridges, dactyls with numerous golden spines,

4th-7th joints with scattered long bristles.

lst pleopod ¢ tapering distally and ending in 2 cowl-like lobes,

between which the seminal canal opens.

Length 11 mm., breadth 15mm. Reddish, mottled with yellowish,

hand, finger and thumb whitish, hairs on the transverse ridges white.

118 Annals of the South African Museum.

Localities.—Natal (Krauss); Isipingo, Natal (8S. Afr. Mus.); Umtwa-

lumi, Natal (coll. T. A. Stephenson).

Distributcon.—Mauritius, Réunion, and Indo-Pacific, but apparently

rare in western portion; Maldives (Borradaile), Seychelles (Rathbun).

Pachygrapsus polyodous Stebb.

1921. Stebbing, l. c., p. 458, pl. 16 (Crust., pl. 111).

Lateral margin with 3 acute teeth behind the outer orbital tooth.

Transverse ridges absent?. Cheliped, 4th joint with 2 strongly

dentate ridges on inner side.

Length 18 mm., breadth 22 mm.

Locality.—Off Umhlangakulu River mouth, Natal, 50 fathoms

(Stebbing).

Remarks.—Only one 3 specimen was captured. It has not been

returned to the South African Museum, so I am unable to check

Stebbing’s description or give further details.

Gen. Mrtrorpocrarsus M. Edw.

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 319.

1918. Tesch, l. ¢., p. 78 (key to species).

Distinguished from Pachygrapsus by the large lobe at inner orbital

angle which excludes ant. 2 from the orbit. No tooth, or one tooth,

on lateral margin behind outer orbital angle.

Metopograpsus messor (Forskal)

Figs..22, a,-23, e, 24, c.

1888. de Man, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxii, p. 144, pl. 9, fig. 11 (chela).

1891. Id., Notes Leyden Mus., xiii, p. 49, pl. 4, fig. 14 (leg) (var.

gracilipes).

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 319.

1917. Id., Ann. Durban Mus., i, p. 438.

1918. Tesch, 1. ¢., p. 79.

1945. Stephensen, Dan. Sci. Invest. Iran. pt. 4, p. 195, fig. 59,

E-G (plp. 1, 2 3).

Carapace about 4 as long as broad (across outer orbital angles),

sides convergent posteriorly, no lateral tooth behind outer orbital

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 119

angle, front about 2 maximum breadth of carapace; fine oblique

lines laterally and some fine transverse lines on post-frontal region.

Lobe at inner orbital angle adnate along nearly whole of its margin

Fic. 24.—Ist pleopod ¢ (whole appendage shown in ventral view).

Grapsus strigosus (Herbst). a, with apex in ventral (above) and dorsal (below)

view, hairs removed. Base of 2nd pleopod in sifu.

Pachygrapsus plicatus (M. Edw.). 6, with apex further enlarged, and in median

view.

Metopograpsus messor (Forsk.). c, with dorsal view of apex, hairs removed.

Varuna litierata (Fabr.). d, with dorsal view of apex.

Planes minutus (Linn.). ¢, with dorsal view of apex, hairs removed.

Cyclograpsus punctatus M. Edw. f, with median (above) and dorsal (below)

views of apex.

with the front, sharp and keeled. Chelipeds somewhat unequal,

4th, 5th, and 6th joints with transverse striae or ndges, inner margin

of 4th denticulate, 5th with 1 or 2 spines, hand granulate on upper and

lower margins, smooth on outer surface except near lower margin

where there are a few oblique striae, and a fine ndge subparallel to

120 Annals of the South African Museum.

lower margin and continued on tothumb. Legs with stiff outstanding

hairs, dactyls (including ungues) nearly as long as 6th joints. Abdomen

in ¢ evenly tapering.

Ist pleopod g stout, with apical strongly chitinized spatulate

process, partly concealed in setae, and surrounded by membranous

(mobile) integument.

Length 23 mm., breadth 30 mm. Mottled and speckled with dark

reddish brown on a pale ground-colour, legs banded, hand of cheliped

pink or crimson. |

Localities—Mouth of Umlaas River, Natal (Krauss); Natal

(Kingsley); Durban (Stebbing); Hast London (coll. T. A. Stephenson) ;

Delagoa Bay (Lourenzo Marques Mus.).

Distribution.—Mauritius, Madagascar, east coast of Africa,

Seychelles, Red Sea, Indo-Pacific.

Gen. Puanes Bowdich

1910. Stebbing, I. ¢., p. 320.

1918. Rathbun, J. c., p. 253.

1918. Tesch, J. c., p. 83 (in key) and footnote 2.

Carapace about as long as broad, evenly convex, front not deflexed,

regions scarcely defined, usually a slight notch behind outer orbital -

tooth. Lobe at inner orbital angle small, not excluding ant. 2 from

orbit. Chelipeds robust, subequal. Legs flattened, fringed with

setae, semi-natatory. . |

Remarks.—Tesch includes this genus in his key to the genera of ©

Varunnae, but the lower orbital border and the g abdomen occupying

all the space between the bases of the 5th legs indicate that it is more

properly included in the Grapsinae, as is done by Rathbun.

Pelagic crabs, widely distributed, found on Sargassum weed and

other floating objects, turtles and jelly-fishes. Frequently washed up

on shore.

‘Planes minutus (Linn.)

Sargassum, or Gulf-weed Crab.

Figs. 23, d, 24, e.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 66 (Nautilograpsus major) and

p. 67 (N. smithw).

1843. Krauss, Siidafrik. Crust., p. 44 (Nautilograpsus m. and s.).

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 121

1880. Kingsley, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., pt. 2, p. 202 (Naué#zlo-

grapsus M.).

1904. Doflein, D. Tiefsee Exp., vi, p. 130.

1910. Stebbing, lJ. c., p. 320 (part: not the specimens no. 15070

which = Litocheira kingsleyt).

1914. Lenz and Strunck, D. Siidpol Exp., xv, p. 284.

1918. Rathbun, J. c., p. 253, pl. 63.

1922. Bouvier, Res. Sci. Camp. Monaco, lIxu, p. 74, pl. 2, fig. 2

(coloured).

1927. Hale, Crust. 8. Austral., pt. 1, p. 181, fig. 182.

1941. Hitchcock, Biol. Bull. Woods Hole, Ixxx, p. 26 (colour

changes).

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., 11, p. 106 (major).

1944. Lebour, Zoologica, xxix, p. 114, fig. 4 (larval stages).

Carapace almost glabrous, but faintly punctate and with faint

oblique lines laterally. The notch behind outer tooth may be almost

or quite obsolete. Ist pleopod 3 very short and stout, apical point

concealed in setae.

Length up to ¢ 25 mm., breadth 24 mm. Reddish, pinkish, or

greyish, often with a white or cream patch in middle of carapace,

sometimes pale bluish, cobalt-blue, or lilac.

Localities. —Natal (Kingsley); False Bay (Stebbing); Table Bay,

False Bay, Knysna (S. Afr. Mus.); Chinde, Portuguese Hast Africa,

washed ashore (coll. K. H. B. 1912).

Distribution.—Tropical and temperate seas, but mainly Atlantic.

Not recorded by Alcock (1900) as a member of the Indian fauna, but

recorded from the southern Indian Ocean by Doflein, and from

Mauritius by Ward.

Remarks.—The unusually large $, whose measurements are given

above, was washed ashore on the west coast of the Cape Peninsula,

near Cape Point, September 1913 (K. H. B.).

Gen. VaruNA M. Edw.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 319.

19is. Teschseies p84

Carapace about as broad as long, depressed, with sharp edges,

lateral borders convex, toothed anteriorly, regions fairly well defined,

especially the gastric-cardiac and cardiac-branchial grooves, front a

little more than 4 maximum width of carapace, straight, little deflexed.

Chelipeds equal, in adult g robust. Legs with 5th—7th joints flattened,

122 Annals of the South African Museum.

dilated, and fringed with hairs, natatory. Abdomen of 7 segments

in both sexes, in ¢ not covering whole width between bases of 5th

legs.

Varuna litterata (Fabr.)

Figs. 22, c, 23, f, 24, d.

1897. Weber and de Meijere, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., x, p. 157.

1902. de Man, Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxv, p. 504.

1910. Stebbing, U. c., p. 319.

1915. Kemp, Mem. Ind. Mus., v, p. 232.

1918. Tesch, t. c., p. 85.

1933. Hora, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., pt. 4, pp. 881 sqq., pl. 1

(bionomics).

Carapace pitted, but glabrous; lateral border with 2 sharp teeth

behind outer orbital tooth; a well-defined H-shaped mark in middle

of carapace. Upper orbital margin notched. Legs not hairy, except

for the fringes on last three joints. Ist pleopod ¢ apically bilobed,

with 2 strongly chitinized ridges on inner (dorsal) surface of the larger

lobe.

Length up to 50 mm., breadth 56 mm. Reddish brown.

Localities.—Illovo, Umbilo, and Umhloti Rivers, Isipingo, Natal

(Weber and de Meijere); Natal (Stebbing); off Durnford Point, Zulu-

land, 45 fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Mauritius, east coast of Africa, Indo-Pacific.

Remarks.—Ascends estuaries, even into fresh water, and is also

found at sea on floating timber.

Gen. SESARMA Say

Marsh Crabs.

1902. de Man, Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxv, p. 506.

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 320.

1917. Tesch, Zool. Med. Leyden Mus., iii, pp. 127, 235.

1918. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 97, p. 284.

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix c, p. 109.

1933. Hora, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., pt. 4, pp. 881 sqq., pl. 2

(bionomics of tetragonum Fabr.). .

1937. Gordon, Proc. Linn. Soc. Lond., p. 150.

1940. Tweedie, Bull. Raffles Mus., xvi, p. 88.

Carapace squarish, sides nearly straight and usually nearly parallel,

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 123

with or without a tooth behind outer orbital tooth, front wide,

deflexed, usually with 4 more or less prominent post-frontal bosses,

dorsal regions usually well defined, oblique lines laterally, pterygo-

stomial region and vertical walls of carapace reticulated with inter-

secting lines of fine hairs. Ant. 2 not excluded from orbit. Chelipeds

subequal, robust, especially in g. Legs rather slender, except the

4th joints. 7th abdominal segment in g usually shorter than its

basal width; in 2 narrow and deeply embedded in 6th segment.

Remarks.—Alcock’s (1900, p. 410) reluctance to accept the sub-

genera proposed by de Man seems well founded.

In the descriptions the distinction between a pectinate and a granu-

late ridge should be noted: the pectinate ridge consists of a number of

closely set, palisade-like, stout horny spines, sometimes subacute,

sometimes blunt (fig. 25, g). One of the two ridges in catenata is

definitely pectinate, while the other has rather elevated, closely set

granules, which are sometimes horny at their apices, thus forming a

transition between the two kinds of ornamentation (fig. 25, ¢).

As the records of picta, except those from Japan and China, have

been doubted (Tesch, 1917, J. c., p. 187), this species is not admitted

here. Possibly Krauss’ specimens are still available, and if so should

be re-examined. See also Gordon’s remarks (1937) on maculata.

Tropical and subtropical, living in mud-banks, marshes, and

mangrove-swamps. On the west coast of Africa the genus occurs as

far south as Angola (Rathbun, 1921, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist.,

xiii, p. 446).

Key to the South African Species.

1. Two teeth on lateral margin behind outer orbital tooth.

Carapace longer than broad . : 4 : . smithir.

2. One tooth behind outer orbital tooth.

a. Lateral margins divergent posteriorly ; : . longipes.

b. Lateral margins subparallel or slightly convergent

posteriorly.

i. Inner margin of 4th joint of cheliped without

tooth. No pectinate ridges on upper margin

of hand (fig. 25, e) A : :

ii. Inner margin of 4th joint of cheliped with a sharp

tooth. Two pectinate ridges on upper

margin of hand (fig. 25, g) : - . guttata.

3. No tooth behind outer orbital tooth.

a. Upper surface of hand of cheliped with 2 obliquely

transverse pectinate ridges; inner margin of 4th

joint with large spine, 5th joint with smaller

one ; é : : : : : . plicata.

meinerti.

124 Annals of the South African Museum.

6. Upper surface of hand with only one pectinate ridge;

no sharp spines on 4th or 5th joints of cheliped.

i. Upper margin of finger of cheliped with longi-

tudinally-oval, milled tubercles (fig. 25, c).

Finger and thumb widely gaping, but less so

in 2 than in 4, furry at their junction . catenata.

ii. Upper margin of finger with transversely-oval

tubercles proximally, and longitudinally-

oval tubercles distally (fig. 25, 7). Finger

and thumb not widely gaping, not furry . eulvmene.

Sesarma (Sesarma) smithi M. Edw.

1853. Milne Edwards, Arch. Mus. Paris, vii, p. 149, pl. 9, fig. 2.

1853. Id., Ann. Sci. Nat. (3), xx, p. 187.

1880. Kingsley, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., pt. 2, p. 217.

1893. Birger, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., vii, p. 618, pl. 21, fig. 2.

1917. Tesch, l. c., pp. 199, 249 (references).

Carapace longer than its width across outer orbital angles, dorsally

convex and uneven, lateral margins convex only anteriorly, 2 teeth

behind outer orbital tooth, the Ist one with long outer margin.

Cheliped in adult 3 with 2 black blunt spines on upper margin of finger.

Length of 6th abdominal segment ¢ distinctly greater than width of

its posterior margin.

Locality.—Natal (M. Edwards).

Distribution.—Madagascar, Zanzibar, Kast Indies, Philippine Is.,

Fiji, Queensland.

Remarks.—Not included in Stebbing’s 1910 Catalogue. I have

not seen any of the above-mentioned references except Tesch, from

whose key the above description has been taken.

Sesarma (Sesarma) longipes Krss.

1843. Krauss, Siidafrik. Crust., p. 44, pl. 3, fig. 2, a-d.

1907. Borradaile, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xii, p. 64.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 322.

1917. Tesch, I. c., pp. 170, 241.

Carapace glabrous, lateral margins diverging posteriorly, one tooth

behind outer orbital tooth, hind margin subequal to width of front,

which is half the anterior width of carapace, anterior margin of front

nearly straight, its antero-external angles rounded; post-frontal

lobes obsolete (Krauss) or distinct, the middle pair larger than the

outer pair (Alcock), median groove deep. Chelipeds subequal, no

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 125

tooth on inner margin of 4th or 5th joints, though inner angle of latter

is pronounced, almost dentiform (Alcock), inner and outer surfaces

of hand granulate (Alcock) (Krauss’ figure shows outer surface smooth),

a row of granules along lower margin continued to apex of thumb,

upper margin without granulate or pectinate ridges (Alcock) or with

a feeble keel (Krauss) or with a sharp rough ridge (Borradaile); upper

margin of finger with a few sharp granules (Alcock) (smooth in Krauss’

figure), finger and thumb not widely gaping, not furry at junction.

Legs long, 4th leg about 24-3 times anterior width of carapace, lower

margins of 4th joints smooth. 6th abdominal segment 3 twice as

broad as long.

Length 18 mm., breadth (posteriorly) 20mm. Bright brownish red,

with 8 yellowish spots, of which 2 are behind each orbit and the other

4 in middle of the carapace (Krauss).

Locality.—Umlaas River mouth (Krauss).

Distribution.—Andaman Is. and Seychelles.

Remarks.—Up to the present has not been rediscovered in South

Africa.

Sesarma (Sesarma) meinerti de Man

Hig. 25, & f.

1843. Krauss, Stidafrik. Crust., p. 44 (tetragona M. Edw., non

Fabr.).

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 809 (tetragona? Fabr.

M. Edw.).

1887. de Man, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., 1, pp. 648, 668.

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 56.

1900. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixix, p. 417.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 321 (tetragonum, non Fabr.).

1917. Id., Ann. Durban Mus., 1, p. 438 (tetragonum, non Fabr.)

(25th July).

1917. Tesch, 1. c:, pp. 171, 246 (references and synonymy) (28th

July).

1917. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p.-10 (tetragonus, non Fabr.)

(December 1917).

1942. Chace, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. Harv., xci, p. 201.

Carapace dorsally with numerous little tufts of hair (easily rubbed

off), lateral margins slightly converging posteriorly, with a tooth (and

sometimes indications of a second tooth) behind and usually projecting

further outwards than outer orbital tooth, hind margin shorter than

126 Annals of the South African Museum.

width of front, which is a little greater than half maximum width

of carapace, its antero-lateral angles sharply quadrate, its anterior

margin sinuous (emarginate medianly). Chelipeds subequal, front

margin of 4th joint denticulate, but no tooth on either 4th or 5th joints,

outer surface of latter squamose-rugulose, outer and lower surfaces of

6th joint pitted, with a few granules, chiefly near lower surface, inner

surface granulate, with a curved row of larger tubercles subparallel

to distal margin, upper surface without any pectinate ridges but a few

irregular and variable sublongitudinal rows of granules; upper surface

of finger with a row of inconspicuous serrations; finger and thumb

widely gaping in large g, not furry at junction. Legs with upper

surfaces of 5th and 6th joints furry. Length of 6th abdominal

segment ¢ only a little less than proximal width.

Length up to 43 mm., breadth 47 mm. Dark violet above, pterygo-

stomial regions also violet (sealing-wax red, apud Krauss), chelae

bright red.

Localities—Mozambique (Hilgendorf); Durban Bay (Krauss,

Stebbing, and S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Mauritius, Madagascar, east coast of Africa, Indo-

Pacific.

Remarks.—Chace quotes Loveridge that crocodiles feed on these

crabs.

Sesarma (Chiromantes) guttata M. Edw.

Migs 25,00; 2:

1869. Milne Edwards, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Paris, v, p. 26.

1887. de Man, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., 11, p. 658.

1888. fd., J. lanu: Soc. Lond., xxi, p. 177,

1917. Tesch, l..¢., pp. 155, 255.

Carapace with tufts of hair, lateral margins subparallel, one tooth

behind outer orbital tooth, hind margin ? width of front which is a

little more than half anterior width of carapace, anterior margin of

front sinuous, its antero-lateral angles sharply quadrate, post-frontal

lobes prominent, subequal. Chelipeds subequal, inner margin of 4th

joint with a prominent acute tooth, rest of margin denticulate

proximally and distally to the tooth, inner and outer surfaces of hand

granulate, upper surface with 2 oblique pectinate ridges, a granulate

ridge between inner and upper surfaces, outer surface of thumb more

or less flattened with a slight ridge near lower margin, upper margin

of finger with 12 transversely-oval tubercles, each with 1-3 transverse

ee Ye

er

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 127

striae, a row of smaller tubercles on inner side of and alternating with

the larger one, finger and thumb not widely gaping, not furry at

junction. 4th leg twice length of carapace; 4th joints of legs twice

(or almost) as broad as long, lower (hind) margins smooth or feebly

serrulate. Length of 6th abdominal segment ¢ twice in its proximal

and 1i in its distal width. Horny apex of Ist pleopod ¢ sharply

bent outwards.

Length 19 mm., breadth (anteriorly) 24 mm.

Locality.—Delagoa Bay (coll. K. H. B. 1912, and Lourenzo Marques

Mus.).

Distribution.—Zanzibar.

Remarks.—Only one ¢ specimen was obtained by me in 1912; it

seems to agree with guttata according to the comparison between it and

other near species given by de Man in 1888. I have not seen his 1887

description. A second 3, presumably from Delagoa Bay, was sub-

mitted by the Lourenzo Marques Museum (1940).

Distinguished from plicata by the tooth on lateral margin behind

outer orbital tooth.

Sesarma (Parasesarma) plicata (Latr.)

1843. Krauss, Siidafrik. Crust., p. 45 (affinis) (? and picta, non de

Haan).

1900. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxix, p. 413 (quadratum).

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 321 (quadratum).

1917. Tesch, l. ¢., pp. 187, 252 (references and synonymy).

1917. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 10 (quadratus).

1932. Shen, Zool. Sinica, ix, p. 191, figs. 119, 120, and pl. 7, fig. 8.

Carapace with lateral margins slightly converging posteriorly,

no tooth behind outer orbital tooth, front more than half greatest

width of carapace, its anterior margin slightly sinuous; post-frontal

lobes prominent, subequal, rugulose and setose. Chelipeds subequal,

inner margin of 4th joint with a large subterminal spine, upper

margin ending in a much smaller spine, upper surface of hand with

2 pectinate ridges and some short oblique granulate ridges (pectinate

ridges absent in 9; Alcock), upper surface of finger with 11-14 (-19)

transversely oval milled tubercles, finger and thumb not widely

gaping, not furry at junction. 4th joints of legs with hind margins

smooth.

Length 16 mm., breadth 20 mm.

Localities.—Natal (Krauss): Durban Bay (Stebbing).

128 Annals of the South African Museum.

Distributton.—Mauritius, Madagascar, east coast of Africa, Indo-

Pacific.

Remarks.—I have seen no specimens.

Sesarma (Parasesarma) catenata Ort.

Fig. 25, a-d.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 65 (reteculata, non Say).

1843. Krauss, Stidafrik. Crust., p. 45 (reticulata quoted from

McLeay).

1897. Ortmann, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., x, p. 334, pl. 17, fig. 9.

1905. Stebbing, Mar. Invest. 8. Afr., iv, p. 44 (catenatum).

1910. Id.,l.c., p. 321 (reticulatum) and p. 322 (catenatum).

1917. Tesch, l. c., pp. 141, 253.

1917. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., u1, p. 10 (Parasesarma catenatus).

1921. Id., abed., ii, p. 16, pl. 3 (Parasesarma catenatus; part: the

Durban specimens).

Carapace glabrous, lateral margins slightly convergent posteriorly,

no tooth behind outer orbital tooth, hind margin scarcely 2 width of

front, which is distinctly more than half greatest width of carapace,

anterior margin of front slightly convex and sinuous, its antero-

external angles rounded-quadrate; post-frontal lobes not very

prominent, the middle pair slightly the larger. Chelipeds subequal,

4th joint with inner margin laminately expanded and denticulate, 5th

joint without spine, inner surface of hand with tiny granules and some

larger ones near finger-hinge, outer surface also with tiny granules,

larger towards upper margin, often almost smooth, a fine beaded line

at the lower third, subparallel to lower margin, and extending to about

middle of cutting-edge of thumb, upper surface with a flat rhomboidal

area bounded distally by a pectinate ridge, on either side by a granulate

ridge, and crossed in middJe by a row of close-set, often horny

granules which might almost be termed a 2nd pectinate ridge, some

additional granules proximally, finger with 5-6 longitudinally-oval

milled tubercles flanked on inner side by a row of granules, finger and

thumb widely gaping and proximally densely furry in 3; in 9

apparently not distinguishable from eulimene, without the distinctive

rhomboidal area, and sculpture of finger indistinct. 4th joint of legs

smooth on hind margins. Length of 6th abdominal segment 3

subequal to distal width and a little less than half proximal width.

Apex of Ist pleopod $ curving slightly, but not markedly outwards.

Length up to ¢ 20 mm., 9 13 mm.; breadth g 25 mm., 2 17 mm.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 129

Dark brownish, legs rather reddish, speckled, chelae more or less

orange, or orange-brown, finger and thumb paler.

Localities.—Keurbooms River, Plettenberg Bay (Stebbing); Durban

Bay (Stebbing); East London, and Umkomaas, Natal (S. Afr. Mus.).

aed 5

&

wc

day

Abn:

d -

b, ventral surface showing 3rd

c, upper surface of hand and

Fic. 25,—Sesarma catenata Ort. a, carapace.

maxillipeds and part of pterygostomial region.

finger of chela 3, with rhomboidal area further enlarged, and profile of upper

d, apex of Ist pleopod ¢.

margin of finger.

é, upper surface of hand and finger of chela 3, with

Sesarma meinerti de Man.

profile of finger. f, 1st pleopod § with apex further enlarged, most of the hairs removed.

Sesarma guttata M. Edw. g, upper surface of hand and finger of chela 3, with

pectinate ridge further enlarged, and profile of finger. h, apex of lst pleopod ¢.

i, upper surface of hand and finger of chela g, with

Sesarma eulimene de Man.

profile of finger. J, apex of Ist pleopod 3.

3

VOLE. XXXVI.

130 Annals of the South African Museum.

Remarks.—The Keurbooms River is the most westerly locality on the

southern coast of South Africa yet recorded for any species of this

genus. Its presence there I was personally able to confirm in 1931.

Males are easily recognizable by the gaping and furry finger and

thumb of the chela; and the rhomboidal area with the two ridges (one

pectinate, the other partly so) on the hand of ¢ is very characteristic.

Females are indistinguishable from those of eulimene.

Sesarma (Holometopus) eulumene de Man

Bio 255054

1897. de Man in Weber and de Meijere, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., x,

p. 157) pl ib igs Tl o-9:

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 322.

1917. Tesch, L. ¢., pp. 150, 237.

1921. Stebbing, Ann. Durban Mus., i, p. 16 (catenatus part:

specimen from Delagoa Bay).

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 363.

Carapace pitted, glabrous except for scattered setules, lateral

margins parallel, no tooth behind outer orbital tooth, hind margin

? width of front, which is a little more than half greatest width of

carapace, anterior margin of front slightly convex, rarely slightly

sinuous, its antero-external angles quadrate but not sharply so;

post-frontal lobes not very prominent, subequal or middle pair the

larger. Chelipeds subequal, inner margin of 4th joint denticulate, but

not expanded, and without spine, 5th joint without spine, inner and

outer surface of hand granulate, upper margin with a nearly longitu-

dinal sinuous ridge which is pectinate distally and granulate proximally,

some additional short rows of granules, upper margin of finger with

about 14 transversely-oval tubercles in proximal half and about 6

longitudinally-oval milled tubercles in distal half, transition between

the two kinds gradual, the transverse tubercles symmetrical, but the

longitudinal ones incline forwards (the distal slope shorter and steeper

than the proximal slope), on the inner side proximally an irregular

row of tiny granules, finger and thumb not gaping and not furry

at junction; in 2 similar but sculpturing on finger less distinct. 4th

joints of legs with hind margin smooth. Length of 6th abdominal

segment 3 subequal to its distal width and half or not quite half its

proximal width. Apex of Ist pleopod 3¢ bent outwards.

Length 15 mm., breadth 19-20 mm. Brown, chelae of 3 bright

orange-red,

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 131

Localities—Umbilo River, Natal (de Man); Delagoa Bay (Stebbing,

as catenata part); Delagoa Bay and Beira (coll. K. H. B.).

Remarks.—Unless found in conjunction with their respective males,

it seems impossible to distinguish the females of this species and

catenata.

Gen. CycLtocrapsus M. Edw.

1910. Stebbing, I. ¢., p. 318.

1918. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 97, p. 325.

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix c, p. 125 (key to Indo-

Pacific species).

Carapace broader than long, with convex (in punctatus) lateral

margins, without tooth (or a very feeble one) behind outer orbital

angle, front about half width of carapace, more or less deflexed, post-

frontal lobes inconspicuous, dorsal regions ill-defined, no oblique lines

(or only one short one in posterior third), pterygostomial regions with

setae arranged in orderly lines but not so conspicuously reticulate as

in Sesarma. Ant. 2 not excluded from orbit. Chelipeds robust,

especially in §, subequal. lLegsstrong. Abdomen with 7 segments in

both sexes, in § not occupying whole space between bases of 5th legs,

7th segment in 2 much wider than long, not embedded in 6th segment.

Remarks.—ULittoral and estuarine. On the west coast of Africa

C. occidentalis extends as far south as Angola (Rathbun, Bull. Amer.

Mus. Nat. Hist., xli, p. 455).

Cyclograpsus punctatus M. Edw.

Fig. 24, f.

1838. McLeay, AnnulosaS. Afr., p.65, pl.3 (Gnathochasmus barbatus).

1843. Krauss, Stidafrik. Crust., p. 45, pl. 3, fig. 3, a-c (Sesarma

barbata).

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 57.

1910. Stebbing;*l. c., p. 318.

1914. Lenz and Strunck, D. Siidpol Exp., xv, p. 283.

1914. Stebbing, Trans. Roy. Soc. Hdin., 50, p. 265.

1915. Id., Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xv, p. 58.

1918. Rathbun, l. ¢., p. 328, fig. 153 (mxp. 3) and pl. 99.

1918. Tesch, l. ¢., p. 126 (in key). |

1923. Odhner, Medd. Goteb. Mus., xxxi, p. 26.

1941. Broekhuysen, Trans. Roy. Soc. 8S. Afr., xxviii, pp. 331-366,

figs., charts, pls. 56, 57 (life-history).

Carapace widest at anterior third (middle of gastric region), some

132 Annals of the South African Museum.

specimens as in McLeay’s figure with sides behind the greatest width

nearly parallel, whole carapace with a finely beaded rim, a deep

groove from outer orbital margin below the antero-lateral margin,

dorsal surface smooth and even, though somewhat uneven in large

specimens, 6-8 small circular or oval depressions, 2 on each hepatic

region, 2 on gastric region, and often 2 more behind the latter forming

the ends of the gastric-cardiac groove (cf. McLeay’s figure), often

indistinct in small specimens, and in large ones often one or two

additional pairs on the frontal and post-frontal region; the short

(true) infra-orbital margin, the long anterior margin of the ptery-

gostomial region and the oblique ridge across it, and the anterior

margin of buccal cavity conspicuously granulate. Chelipeds smooth

in g, in minutely granulate, chiefly on upper parts of wrist and hand,

middle of inner surface of hand somewhat gibbous with 1-3 (or 4) low

blunt tubercles, often inconspicuous, a moderate gap between bases

of finger and thumb in g and large 9. Legs smooth, but in 9 minutely

granulate, chiefly on upper and lower margins of joints, patches of

dark felt on upper and lower apex of 6th joint of 2nd leg, and on upper

apices in 3rd—5th legs, 6 stripes of felt on dactyls of all legs, the 3

stripes on upper surface thicker than the others; legs otherwise

glabrous. Abdomen of g tapering from 3rd to 6th segment, distal

angles of latter bevelled off, and 7th segment abruptly narrower. Ist

pleopod ¢ stout, with setose lobe on inner edge, apex with 2 horny

laminae, which are coalesced along outer margin, seminal canal

opening between them.

Length up to ¢ 30 mm., 2? 21 mm.; breadth $ 38 mm., 2 26 mm.

Smallest ovigerous 9 seen: 8 mm. in breadth. Greyish, buff, orange,

salmon, deep red, brownish, greenish brown, violaceous, more or less

mottled or speckled, chelipeds and legs uniform or more or less con-

spicuously spotted or speckled. Those living amongst rocks on the

shore are lighter in colour; the brown, greenish, or violaceous tints

are found in those burrowing in mud in estuaries (Krauss, and K. H.B.).

Localities—Brak River, Uitenhage Division, and Natal (Krauss);

Port Elizabeth (Ortmann); Simon’s Bay (Stimpson); False Bay

(Stebbing); Cape Town (Rathbun); Table Bay and Natal (Stebbing);

Dyer’s Island (Odhner); around whole coast from Port Nolloth on

west coast to Durban and Uhlamli, Natal, and Zululand (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Chile, Juan Fernandez, Indian Ocean, Hong Kong.

Remarks.—The Australasian audouinii (see Tweedie, Pap. Proc.

Roy. Soc. Tasman. for 1941, p. 18, fig. 4, 1942) is very closely related

to punctatus (the latter has line precedence) and, as Milne Edwards

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 133

himself said (1837, Hist. Nat. Crust., u, p. 78), may only be a variety

of punctatus. Balss (J. Roy. Soc. W. Austr., xxi, p. 142) records it as

such. Rathbun (1918, l. ¢., p. 329), however, gives some points of

difference, which probably can only be appreciated by a direct com-

parison of specimens from both regions. As this author has compared

Cape and Chilian specimens and pronounced them identical, it is

probable that the Australian form does not merit specific rank, and

that the species is circum-subantarctic, like Plagusia chabrus (infra)

and the Crayfish Jasus lalandet.

This is one of the commonest shore-crabs around the South African

coast, inhabiting both rocky coasts and muddy estuaries.

Broekhuysen found that the principal breeding season was in

winter at the Cape.

Gen. Pitacusta Latr.

1906. Laurie, Rep. Pearl Oyster Fish, Ceylon, pt. v, p. 429.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 322.

1918. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 97, p. 331.

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxx1x c, p. 128 (key to species).

Carapace subcircular, more or less depressed, interorbital space

with 2 deep notches for reception of Ist antennae. Inter-antennular

septum broad. Anterior margin of buccal cavity prominently

projecting, crenate or dentate. Eye-stalks short and stout. 4th

joint of mxp. 3 as broad as 3rd joint. Chelipeds and legs rugose-

granulose, with furry grooves; the former robust in g, weak in 9;

legs strong, dactyls short, spinose. Abdomen with 7 segments, but

in both sexes 3rd—5th segments may be more or less firmly coalesced.

Ist pleopod ¢§ stout.

Remarks.—The difference between the Ist pleopods 3g of two

apparently so closely allied species as chabrus and depressa is remark-

able. In the former the course of the seminal groove (formed by the

juxtaposition of the curled edges of the appendage) is nearly normal,

7.e. on the inner and dorsal surfaces; but in depressa it takes a spiral

course over the ventral surface and on to the outer surface before

opening between the apical lobes (ef. fig. 26, c, d, and h).

Temperate and tropical seas, including the Mediterranean.

Frequently found clinging to ships.

Key to the South African Species.

1. 4th joints of legs with one subapical tooth on upper margin

Carapace squamose-tuberculate : ‘ : . depressa.

134 Annals of the South African Museum.

2. 4th joints of legs with numerous teeth on upper margin.

Carapace smooth, covered with short pile . : . chabrus.

Plagusia depressa (Fabr.)

var. tuberculata Lam.

Natal Rock-crab.

Fig. 26, g, h.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 323 (squamosa).

1915. Kemp, Mem. Ind. Mus., v, p. 241.

1918. Rathbun, l. c., pp. 332, 334, fig. 154, pls. 101, 102 (and var.

tuberculata).

1918. Tesch, l. c., p. 128 (in key, and footnote), p. 129 (var. tuber-

culata).

1923. Odhner, Medd. Géteb. Mus., xxxi, p. 22 (and var. tuberculata).

1926. Barnard, Trans. Roy. Soc. 8. Afr., xiii, p. 120 (squamosa).

Carapace moderately convex, covered (including gastric region)

with conical or squamiform tubercles, each fringed anteriorly with

short close-set bristles. Lobes on posterior margin of coxae of 3rd

and 4th legs cut into 2-3 teeth (depressa) or entire (var. tuberculata).

4th joints of legs with a single subterminal tooth on upper margin;

and a fringe of setae near both the upper and lower margins on the

hinder surface. Wrist and hand of chelipeds rugulose-granulose, with

setose grooves. Upper surface of hand with 3, of finger with 2, such

grooves. Ist pleopod J, see supra, and fig. 26, h.

Length up to 54 mm., breadth 56 mm. Reddish, with darker

blood-red dots and speckles.

Localities.—Mouth of Umlaas River (Krauss); Durban (Odhner);

Isipingo, Natal (S. Afr. Mus.); Delagoa Bay (Barnard).

Distribution.—Typical depressa: both sides of Atlantic, west coast

of Africa as far south as Port Alexander, Angola (Odhner), St. Helena.

var. tuberculata: Mauritius, east coast of Africa, Indo-Pacific,

Chile.

Remarks.—Only var. tuberculata, distinguished by the entire coxal

lobes, is found in the Indo-Pacific region. The use of Herbst’s name

squamosa, used by Alcock and Stebbing, has been criticized by Laurie

(l. c., pp. 429, 430).

Found on rocky coasts, and also on drift-wood, and clinging to

ships.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 135

Fic. 26.—Plagusia chabrus (Linn.). a, front of carapace. 6, outer surface of

chela 3. c, d, dorsal and ventral views of Ist pleopod g. ¢, Megalopa stage,

with dactyl of walking leg. f, carapace of juvenile in lst post-larval stage.

Plagusia depressa (Fabr.). g, outer surface of chela g. h, ventral view of

Ist pleopod ¢.

Percnon planissimum (Herbst). i, ventral view of 1st pleopod g, with dorsal

view of apex. J, upper surface of left chela ¢.

136 Annals of the South African Museum.

Plagusia chabrus (Linn.)

Cape Rock-crab.

Fig. 26, a-f.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 66 (tomentosa and spinosa =juv.).

1843. Krauss, Siidafr. Crust., p. 42, pl. 2, fig. 6 (tomentosa).

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 809.

1905. Stebbing, Mar. Invest. S. Afr., iv, p. 47 (capensis, discussion

of specific name).

1910. Id., l. ¢., p. 322.

1914. Lenz and Strunck, D. Siidpol Exp., xv, 285.

1918. Rathbun, I. c., p. 336, pl. 104.

1927. Hale, S. Austral. Crust., pt. 1, p. 185, fig. 186.

1929. Chilton and Bennet, Trans. N. Zeal. Inst., lix (1928), p. 774.

1942. Tweedie, Pap. Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasman. for 1941, p. 22, fig. 8

(capensis).

Megalopa stage.

Hig 2652.

1843. Krauss, Siidafrik. Crust., p. 54 (Megalops mutica).

1852. Dana, U.S. Expl. Exp., xiii, p. 488, pl. 31, fig. 2, a (Marestia

elegans).

1910. Stebbing, 1. c., p. 348 (Marestia paederus).

2 1918. Rathbun, Australas. Antarct. Exp. Rep., ser. C, v, pt. 2,

p. 4, fig. 1 (Marestia mawsont).

1930. Bennett, Rec. Canterb. Mus., i, p. 257 (Marestia mawsom =

megalopa of P. chabrus).

Carapace slightly convex, smooth, non-tuberculate (1 tubercle

behind orbit and 2-3 elongate ones near outer angle of branchial

region: Rathbun’s description of Australasian specimens; not seen

in any South African specimens, except a faint indication of the post-

orbital one in large examples (dotted in fig. 26 a)), covered with a fine

close tomentum. Sternum, ventral surface of abdomen, and the

grooves and depressed areas on legs and chelipeds also covered with

tomentum. Posterior coxal lobes on 3rd and 4th legs each ending in

a single sharp tooth. 4th joints of legs with a row of spines on upper

margin, less strongly developed on 5th leg than on the preceding

ones; and a fringe of setae near lower margin only. Wrist and hand

of chelipeds tuberculate, tubercles longitudinally arranged on hand

ite i “ta ttl th

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 137

and upper surface of fingers; upper and outer surface of hand with 6,

of finger with 3, setose grooves. Ist pleopod 3, see supra, and

ne. 26, 6d. |

Length up to 45 mm., breadth 50 mm. (a Tasmanian ¢ in 8. Afr.

Mus. measures 68x74 mm.). Deep reddish brown, the bare stripes

on legs and margins of carapace brighter reddish than the parts

covered with brown tomentum.

Localities—Table Bay (Krauss, Lenz, Stebbing): Simon’s Bay

(Stimpson, Lenz and Strunck): Hast London (Stebbing); numerous

localities around coast from Luderitzbucht and Port Nolloth on west

coast to Port Shepstone, Natal, 0-35 fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Chile, Juan Fernandez; S. and S.E. Australia,

Tasmania, New Zealand.

Remarks.—This crab is the commonest shore-crab around the south-

west coast, and is found on all rocky situations, clinging with great

pertinacity and hiding in crevices; also on the jetties and quays in

docks, and on ships’ bottoms.

The life-history has not been studied, but there is no doubt that

the large Megalopas found so abundantly in in-shore waters, and

washed up on the beach together with very small post-larval stages,

are the early stages of this species. These Megalopas have been found

in the months of April, June, August, and September, especially the

latter two months. Some were taken from the stomach of a Sun-fish

(Ranzama truncata) stranded on the Cape Peninsula in August 1934.

The Megalopa measures 6-7 mm. in length and 4-5 mm. in width.

The front is prominent and deeply grooved above, and almost

vertically deflexed. The notches for the lst antennae lie at a lower

level laterally. The upper and outer surface of the hand of cheliped

shows indications of the same ridges and grooves as are found in the

post-larval and adult stages. Similar indications are found on the

6th and, less conspicuously, on the 5th joints of the legs. The

dactyls are strong with 6-7 teeth, of which the 4th or 5th is larger than

the others; long setae in the intervening notches (fig. 26, e).

The smallest crabs, exhibiting the adult form, measure 6 x 6 mm.,

and represent presumably the Ist post-larval stage. The carapace

is approximately square, the outer orbital teeth projecting laterally

slightly farther than the dentate lateral margins. Except at the

margins the carapace is covered with fine pile (fig. 26, f) (cf. spinosa

McLeay).

Marestia mawsoni Rathbun 1918 is probably the Megalopa of this

species, as already suggested by Bennett (1930).

138 Annals of the South African Museum.

Gen. Peronon Gistel

1900. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal lxix, p. 439 (Liolophus).

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 324.

1918. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 97, p. 337.

1918. Tesch, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix ¢, p. 129.

1939. Schmitt, Smithson. Misc. Coll., xcvili, 6, p. 23 (key to

species).

Carapace subcircular, strongly depressed, inter-orbital space with

2 deep notches for lst antennae. Inter-antennular septum narrow.

Epistome linear. Anterior margin of buccal cavity a toothed ridge,

not prominently projecting. Hye-stalks very short and stout. 4th

joint of mxp. 3 much smaller and narrower than 3rd. Chelipeds

and legs spinose, but not rugose; legs slender, especially the distal

joints. Abdomen with 5 segments in both sexes, segments 3-5 being

completely fused. Ist pleopod g ending in a hook.

Percnen planissemum (Herbst)

Fig. 26, 4, j.

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 809.

1902. de Man, Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxv, p. 543, pl. 20, fig. 12

(Liolophus p.), and pp. 544, 545 (contrast with abbreviatum).

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 324.

1917. Id., Ann. Durban Mus., ii, p. 11.

1913" Veseh, dyc.; p. 130:

1929. Hale, Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Austral., liii, p. 70, pl. 5.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., ii, p. 108.

Carapace dorsally covered with short close tomentum, leaving

margins and certain slightly raised stripes bare; whole ventral

surface, sternum, abdomen, chelipeds, and legs glabrous; upper

surface of legs with alternate bare and tomentose stripes. A flat, but

sharp-pointed tubercle behind each orbit. Anterior margin of buccal

cavity with a sharp median spine, and one at each lateral corner.

Edge of the pleural groove across pterygostomial region fringed with

setae. Chelipeds with spines on upper and outer border of 4th and

5th joints, one spine at upper outer basal corner of hand directed

proximally, hand smooth, not sulcate on upper border, and without

tuft of setae on inner surface, feebly enlarged in 9, but strongly so in g.

4th joints of legs with row of spines on front margin, with a subsidiary

a a eee eee

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 139

submarginal row of denticles, and fringes of hairs near both front

and hind margins. Abdomen of $ broad, 7th segment subtriangular.

Length 25 mm., breadth 23 mm. Reddish or orange brown, the

margins and bare stripes on carapace and legs brighter, a median

dorsal stripe and an oblique stripe on each side of it emerald green,

suborbital ridge and anterior margin of buccal cavity also emerald

green, joints of legs and some patches or bands on the 4th joints buff,

lower half of eyes bright red, ventral surface of carapace and legs pale

creamy (K. H. B.) (cf. also Krauss, Stimpson, Stebbing).

Localities—Mozambique (Hilgendorf); Durban (Krauss, Stebbing);

Scottburgh, Isipingo, Durban, Port St. Johns (8. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Mauritius, Amirante Is., east coast of Africa, Indo-

Pacific. Rathbun (1918, 1. c., p. 337) now regards the Atlantic form,

gibbest (M. Edw.), as distinct from the Indo-Pacific form, but does not

discuss the differences. Bouvier (1922, Res. Sci. Camp. Monaco,

Ixii, p. 75) records a specimen from Grand Salvage (N. des Canaries)

as Herbt’s species.

Remarks.—Krauss’ record from Table Bay is not acceptable; this

species has not since been found anywhere on the Cape coast, and it is

very unlikely that it occurs here except as a casual inhabitant of a

ship’s hull in transit.

This crab is exceedingly quick and difficult to catch, because,

when a rock-is lifted up, it slides away underneath, and gets into

narrow crevices from which it is with difficulty dislodged, and then only

with the loss probably of most of its legs. In form and movements

it is thus analogous to the terrestrial crab-spider (Selenops).

Famity PORTUNIDAE.

1907. Borradaile, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), xix, p. 483 (key to

subfamilies).

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 305.

1927. Palmer, J. Mar. Biol. Assoc. Plym., n.s., xiv, p. 877 (revision

of “ Portunus,” discussion of name).

1930. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 152, p. 13.

Carapace depressed or slightly convex (seldom strongly convex),

usually wider than long, and widest at the last antero-lateral tooth,

front broad, not deflexed, usually cut into lobes or teeth. The 5th

pair of legs, with few exceptions, natatorial, with at least the last

2 joints flattened, broad, strongly fringed with hairs. Male genital

140 Annals of the South African Museum.

openings coxal. LEye-stalks short, except in Podophthalmus, where

they are very elongate (cf. Ommatocarcinus, Goneplacidae).

Remarks.—The great majority of crabs of this family are at once

recognized by the paddle-like last pair of legs. One of the exceptions,

in which the dactyls of this pair of legs are acutely lanceolate and not

distinctly natatorial, is Carcumdes maenas (Linn.), a common edible

shore crab in Europe and North America. This crab has also been

found in the Suez Canal and Red Sea, Ceylon, Australia, and Hawaiian

Fic. 27.—Ventral views of front. In a-c the 2nd antenna enters the orbit;

in d, e, the apical process of the basal joint excludes the rest of the antenna (cut

off and represented by an oval blank space) from the orbit. 3rd maxilliped shown

in a-c.

a, Ovalipes punctatus (de Haan). 6, Lupa pelagica (Linn.). c, Monomia argen-

tata (White, M. Edw.). d, Charybdis merguiensis (de Man). e, Thalamita crenata

(Latr.) M. Edw.

Islands; it may eventually find its way to South Africa (see Rathbun,

l. c., p. 15, fig. 4, also Chopra and Das, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxix, 1937,

pp. 381, 391.

The family has been divided into subfamilies, but as these have

been employed with different connotations by various authors

(Alcock, Borradaile, Rathbun) they are not indicated here.

Key to the South African Genera.

I. Basal joint of ant. 2 narrow, without apical process (figs. 28,

4, 29, f..J).

A. Front with median tooth (fig. 28, a, g).* Ant. 1

oblique. :

1. 5th pair of legs not natatorial 4 : . [Carcinides].

* But see Lissocarcinus Laevis.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod

2. 5th pair of legs natatorial. 5 antero-lateral

teeth (incl. outer orbital tooth).

a. Flagellum of ant 2 entering orbit (cf. fig.

27, a-c .

6. Flagellum of ant. 2 eecladad fora abit

(cf. fig. 27, d) ‘ :

B. Front with median notch (figs. 28, h, 29, e, ca Ant. 1

transverse.

1. Carapace with 9 antero-lateral teeth.

a. Antero-lateral teeth subequal (fig. 28, h).

4th joint of 5th leg without spine on

hind margin . .

b. Antero-lateral teeth altomiatel? eee aia

smaller (fig. 29, e). 4th joint of 5th

leg with spine on hind margin (fig.

29, h)

2. Carapace with 5 antero- ire tecth

II. Basal joint of ant. 2 moderately broad or very broad, witli

apical process (figs. 27, a—e, 31, e).

A. Flagellum of ant. 2 entering orbit (figs. 27, a-c,

ole).

1. 5 antero-lateral teeth. Basal joint of ant. 1

visible dorsally (fig. 29, a)

. 9 antero-lateral teeth. Basal joint of ant. 1

not visible (figs. 30, a, e, 31, a, 6).

a. Chelipeds elongate, hand costate.

i. 4th joint of mxp. 3 apically rounded

(fig. 27, 6). Dactyl of 5th a

glabrous

ii. 4th joint of mxp. 3 soncealy, square

and produced outwards (figs. 27,

G ol,g).

a. 9th antero-lateral tooth much

larger than the others.

Carapace subhexagonal

(figs. 30, a, e). Dactyl of

5th leg with pilose stripes

(fig. 30, d).

* Postero-lateral angles of

carapace rounded

** Postero-lateral angles

spiniform

p. 9th antero-lateral tooth age

larger than others. Cara-

pace subcircular (fig. 31, a).

Dacty] of 5th leg glabrous .

6. Chelipeds robust, hand inflated and smooth

(not costate) .

3. 6 antero-lateral teeth (fig. 31, d, a.

Crustacea. 141

Portumnus.

Inssocarcinus.

Carupella.

Lupocyclus.

Parathranites.

Ovalipes.

Lupa.

Monomia.

Hellenus.

Achelous.

Scylla.

Gonioneptunus.

142 Annals of the South African Museum.

B. Flagellum of ant. 2 excluded from orbit by process of

the very broad basal joint (fig. 27, d, e).

1. Distance between outer orbital teeth consider-

ably less than greatest width of carapace;

6 antero-lateral teeth (2nd sometimes small)

(fig. 32) : ‘ : : :

2. Distance between outer orbital teeth not much

less than greatest width of carapace; 5

antero-lateral teeth (4th often small or

obscure) (fig. 33) . : : . . Thalamita.

Charybdis.

Gen. Portumnus Leach

1853. Bell, Brit. Stalk-eyed Crust., p. 82.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 305.

Carapace nearly as long as broad or longer than broad, front with

median tooth, antero-lateral margin with 5 teeth. Ant. 1 oblique;

ant. 2 not excluded from orbit, basal joint narrow. Upper margin of

orbit with 1 or 2 fissures. Eye not larger than eye-stalk, which is

slightly curved. 5th leg with 6th and 7th joints expanded, the

latter rather narrow, ovate-lanceolate, apically acute or subacute,

with or without distinct unguis. Abdomen with 5 segments in 4,

the ultimate segment not abruptly narrower than penultimate, in 9

with 7 segments, 2nd—4th short, 6th and 7th evenly tapering.

Key to the South African Species.

1. Carapace slightly broader than long, with transverse ridges

or rows of tubercles. Hand of cheliped with 3 ridges

on outer upper surface . : : : : . biguttatus.

2. Carapace about as broad as long, smooth. Hand of cheliped

with one ridge on outer upper surface 5 ; . meleayi.

Portumnus biguttatus Risso.

Hig. 28, e, of.

1816. Risso, Hist. Nat. Crust., p. 31 (Portunus b.).

1825. Latreille, Encycl. Meth., x, p. 151 (Platyonichus nasutus).

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 62, pl. 3 (Xatva pulchella).

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 44 (pulchellus).

1897. Garstang, J. Mar. Biol. Assoc., n.s., iv, p. 402.

1902. Bohn, Bull. Sci. Fr. Belg., xxxvi, p. 447 (Portumniodes

garstangt).

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 8305 (pulchellus).

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 143

1921. Balss, Beitr. Kennt. Meeresf. Westafr., 111, p. 56 (pulchellus).

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 363.

Carapace slightly broader than long, front prominent, with blunt

median tooth, sides undulate, antero-lateral margin with 4 teeth

behind the broad feebly bilobed outer orbital tooth, a small tooth on

upper orbital margin external to the fissure, a transverse row of 8

rounded tubercles across middle of gastric and hepatic regions, and an

interrupted ridge between the last antero-lateral teeth across hinder

part of gastric and epibranchial regions. Outer surface of 3rd and

4th joints of mxp. 3 glabrous, but anterior margin of 4th joint with

conspicuous bristles. Cornea ovoid, with small apical tubercle.

Cheliped, wrist with a triangular tooth on inner upper margin and

3 ridges on upper surface, hand with keeled inner upper margin, and

3 ridges on upper half of outer surface, finger and thumb ridged

and grooved, apices crossed; tufts of bristles along inner upper margin

(sub-marginal) of wrist and hand, and lower inner margin of hand.

5th leg with 6th joint ovate, 7th lanceolate, nearly 3 times as long as

broad, with distinct acute unguis. Ist pleopod 3, see fig. 28, f.

Length up to ¢ 22 mm., 9 21 mm., breadth g 25 mm., 2 24 mm.

Pinkish with deeper orange-red irroration and speckling, some small

dark red circular spots in various places, 2 on the cardiac region being

the only ones which are symmetrical (in 8. Afr. Mus. specimens).

Localities.—Port Elizabeth (Ortmann). Swakopmund and Luderitz-

bucht (Balss); Lambert’s Bay, Dassen Island, Wilderness (George

district), Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred, littoral (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Plymovth, west coast of France, Mediterranean,

Cape Verde Is. !

Remarks.—Milne Edwards (1861) remarked that pulchellus was

closely related to biguttatus. Balss (1921) kept them separate. Dr.

Gordon, to whom I owe the above references, regards them as identical

(in litt. 18/vi/37).

Portumnus mcleayr Brnrd.

Fig. 28, a-d.

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 363.

Carapace about as broad as long, or slightly longer than broad,

smooth except for 4 or 6 very low and obscure tubercles in middle,

minutely granulate and with scattered pits; front prominent, blunt

with undulate sides, antero-lateral margin with 4 teeth behind the

incurved outer orbital tooth, the Ist low and truncate, the others

144 Annals of the South African Museum.

triangular; upper orbital margin with 2 small fissures but no tooth.

Inner margin of 3rd and 4th joints, outer surface of 4th joint, and

palp of mxp. 3 densely setose. Cornea globular. Cheliped, wrist

Fic. 28.—Portumnus mcleayi Brnrd. a, carapace. b, outer view of chela.

c, dactyl of 5th leg (marginal setae omitted). d, Ist pleopod 2.

Portumnus biguttatus Risso. e, carapace. f, Ist pleopod g, with apex further

enlarged, ventral view, spines on dorsal surface dotted.

Lissocarcinus orbicularis Dana. g, carapace (the dark area on left side is maroon

in life).

Carupella natalensis Lenz. h, carapace. i ventral surface of front. j, 5th leg.

(A-j after Lenz.) i

granulate externally, with sharp tooth on inner upper margin, hand

smooth, glabrous, inner upper edge sharply keeled, a low ridge on

outer upper surface, finger grooved on upper and outer surfaces,

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 145

finger and thumb apically crossed. 5th leg with 7th joint ovate-

lanceolate, twice as long as broad, apex subacute, without distinct

unguis.

Length up to 13 mm., breadth 13 mm.

Localities.—Algoa Bay to Port Shepstone (Natal), 24-27 fathoms

(S. Afr. Mus.).

Remarks.—Quite distinct from the species described by McLeay,

which seems to be a purely littoral form.

Gen. Lissocarcinus Ad. & White

1848. Adams and White, Voy. “Samarang,” Crust., p. 45.

1877. Streets, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., vu, p. 110 (Assecla).

1886. Miers, Challenger Rep., xvu, p. 204.

1899. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixviu, p. 18.

1923. Kemp, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxv, p. 405.

1931. Chopra, zbed., xxxi, p. 307.

Carapace not or very little broader than long, smooth, or with a

single ridge running inwards from last antero-lateral tooth, or with

numerous transverse grooves; front prominent, with or without

median notch; antero-lateral border not strongly arched, cut into

5 more or less distinct blunt teeth or lobes (incl. outer orbital angle).

Basal joint of ant. 2 not very broad, outer apex produced in a lobe

meeting the front and excluding flagellum from orbit. Chelipeds

short, but a little longer than legs. Abdomen in ¢ with 3rd-5th

segments fused.

Tissocarcinus orbicularis Dana

Fig. 28, g.

1852. Dana, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad., p. 86, and U.S. Expl. Exp.

Grusi., pu. 1p. 288, pl. 18, fig. 1, a-e.

1887. Miiller, Verh. Nat. Ges. Basel, vii, pp. 475, 482, pl. 5, fig. 6

(pulchellus).

1899. Alcock, l. c., p. 20.

1902. Borradaile, F. Geogr. Mald. Laccad. Archip., i, p. 200.

1906. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Fish. Comm. for 1903, pt. 3, p. 868.

1911. Zd., Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 204.

1931. Chopra, l. c., pp. 310, 311.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., 11, p. 81 (pulchellus) (reference to

Miiller’s fig. is given as “‘pl. 1, figs. 6-6, b”’).

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 363.

VOL, XXXVIII. 10

146 Annals of the South African Museum.

Carapace slightly broader than long, convex, with thin edges,

smooth, glabrous, a more or less distinct ridge from last antero-lateral

tooth, front not medianly notched, antero-lateral margin with very

shallow notches or clefts separating the 5 broad flat lobes. Chelipeds,

inner angle of wrist with blunt tooth, 2 low somewhat oblique ridges

on upper and outer surfaces, hand with 2 ridges on upper surface, a

blunt tubercle at base of outer one, an obscure ridge on middle of outer

surface, finger with upper margin sharply keeled, tips of finger and

thumb acute, crossing. Legs stout, dactyl of 5th leg with sharp

ungual point.

Length up to 10 mm., breadth 11-5 mm. Carapace maroon or

chocolate-coloured, with yellow or creamy clearly defined markings;

chelipeds and legs banded, dactyls of 2nd—4th legs dark, dactyl of

5th leg dark in basal half, white in distal half; sternum and abdomen

(2) paler maroon or chocolate, 3 cream longitudinal bands distinct on

proximal segments but passing into the general paler tint of the two

distal segments.

Locality.—Delagoa Bay (coll. Dr. C. J. van der Horst, 1 2, 1939).

Distribution.—Maldive and Laccadive Archipelago; Chagos; Sey-

chelles; Hawaiian Is.

Remarks.—Usually found associated with Holothurians (Borradaile,

l.c.). L. holothurica (Streets) 1877 is possibly synonymous. L.

ornatus Chopra 1931, from the Andaman Is., and also found in a

Holothurian, is probably also synonymous. The front as shown in

Chopra’s figure seems to be asymmetrically and presumably abnor-

mally notched. The relative proportions of light and dark colouring:

light markings on a dark ground as in orbicularis, holothurica, and the

Delagoa Bay specimen, or dark markings on a light ground as in

ornatus, 18 probably not a specific character. When material is

available the 1st pleopods of 3 might be compared.

See Addenda.

Gen. CARUPELLA Lenz

1914, Lenz in Lenz and Strunck, D. Siidpol Ixp.,. Xv, p: aioe

Carapace as long as broad, front with median notch, antero-—

lateral margin with 9 teeth (incl. outer orbital tooth). Ant. 1 trans-

verse; ant. 2 not excluded from orbit, basal joint narrow. 4th joint

of mxp. 3asin Lupa. Upper margin of orbit with 2 fissures. Cornea

globular. Chelipeds not elongate or slender. 5th leg with 6th and

7th joints expanded, latter ovate-lanceolate. Abdomen of ¢ with

5 segments, tapering.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 147

Carupella natalensis Lenz

Fig. 28, h-7.

1914. Lenz in Lenz and Strunck, l. c., p. 279, pl. 12, figs. 8-16.

Carapace flat, smooth, frontal and upper orbital margin finely

granulate, 3 transverse rows of granules, front prominent, apically

notched, margins undulate, 8 somewhat unequal teeth behind the

outer orbital tooth, the last but one the smallest, the last one the

largest. Cheliped, 4th joimt with 3 serrations on inner margin, hind

margin unarmed, wrist with a sharp spiniform tooth on inner margin

and 3 rows of granules each ending in a flattened denticle on outer

surface, hand with a flat tooth proximally and 2 double rows of

granules each ending in a flat tooth on upper surface, outer surface

with 3 smooth ridges, finger and thumb apically crossing. Legs,

4th joints without spine on hind margin; dactyl of 5th leg ovate-

lanceolate. 2nd and 3rd abdominal segments transversely keeled.

Length 15 mm. (indirectly stated in comparison with Lupocyclus

rotundatus).

Locality.—Natal (Lenz).

Remarks.—This species is compared and contrasted with Lupocyclus

rotundatus and white. Lenz had only 3é.

Gen. Lupocyctus Ad. & Wh.

1899. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixvii, p. 22.

1906. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Fish. Comm. for 1903, pt. 3, p. 869.

1937. Shen, Bull. Raffles Mus., no. 13, p. 98.

1938. Gordon, zbid., no. 14, p. 175.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., 11, p. 41.

Carapace subcircular, or a little broader than long, convex, with

granular ridges and elevations, tomentose, front prominent, cut into

4 teeth, not including the rounded and ill-defined inner orbital tooth;

antero-lateral margin with 5 major teeth (incl. outer orbital tooth)

and a smaller denticle in each intervening notch (.e. 9 in all), some

or all of these denticles sometimes obscured (and easily overlooked)

by the marginal setae; upper orbital margin with 2 fissures. Cornea

globular. Basal joint of ant. 2 not very stout, without apical process,

not excluding rest of antenna from orbit. Chelipeds longer than legs,

often rather slender. Legs slender, 4th joint of 5th leg with spine

on hind margin, dactyl ovate. Abdomen of 3 with 5 segments, 2nd

and 3rd segments keeled.

148 Annals of the South African Museum.

Lupocyclus tugelae n.sp.

Fig. 29, e-h.

2. Only one transverse granular ridge, viz. across the branchial

region; an oblique line of granules near postero-lateral corner;

gastric, cardiac, and branchial regions, and antero-lateral margins with

groups of granules, which are closely aggregated and often sub-

imbricate; granules of the branchial ridge pointing forwards and

appearing as elongate granules. Chelipeds missing. Anterior margin

of 4th joint of mxp. 3 flatly rounded. Basal joint of ant. 2 longi-

tudinally grooved where it fits against the suborbital tooth.

Length 11 m., breadth 15 mm.

Locality. Off Tugela River mouth, 36 fathoms (8. Afr. Mus.).

Remarks.—Distinguished apparently from other described species

by having clusters of granules instead of transverse granular ridges;

but it may nevertheless be only a variant of rotundatus Ad. & Wh. |

(for figure of carapace see Shen, /.c.; and of g abd. Gordon, J. c.).

Only the one non-ovigerous 2 was taken by the s.s. Pieter Faure; in

the same haul were numerous examples of Gonioneptunus africanus.

Gen. PARATHRANITES Miers

1920. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xvu, p. 237.

Carapace broader than long, convex, with well-defined regions and

tubercles, front not prominently projecting, cut into 4 teeth, antero-

lateral margin with 5 teeth (incl. outer orbital angle); the last one

projecting laterally, upper orbital margin with 2 fissures. Ant. 1

transverse; basal joint of ant.2 narrow. 4th joint of mxp. 3 produced

in a rounded lobe beyond insertion of palp. Chelipeds spinose. Legs

slender, dactyl of 5th leg broadly ovate. Abdomen of ¢ with 5

segments (3rd—5th fused, but positions of sutures indicated), tapering.

Parathranites orientalis Miers

Fig. 29, 2.

1911. Rathbun, Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond., xiv, p. 204.

1920. Stebbing, I. c., p. 238.

Carapace granulate, one small tubercle on each anterior gastric

region, one larger median one in middle of gastric region, one on each

branchial region in line with the gastric tubercle and last lateral tooth,

Fie. 29.—Ovalipes punctatus (de Haan). a, carapace, red marks dotted. 6,

lower surface of chela, showing stridulating rasp. c, apex of 4th joint of 2nd leg,

showing stridulating ridge. d, dactyl of 5th leg, marginal setae omitted.

Iupocyclus tugelae n.sp. e, carapace, tomentum removed (4th tooth obsolete

on left side). f, ventral view of base of ant. 2. g, 4th joint of mxp. 3 (with base

of 5th). h, 4th joint of 5th leg.

Parathranites orientalis Miers. i, carapace. j, ventral view of front with bases

of ant. 1 and 2. &, dactyl of 5th leg, marginal setae omitted. /, Ist pleopod ¢.

150 Annals of the South African Museum.

2 side by side transversely on cardiac region (Alcock: sometimes

only one), just external to the cardiac-branchial groove a longitudinal

ridge with small tubercles (anterior one the largest) and extending

posteriorly to a sharp, slightly up-turned point on hind margin, which

is nearly straight. Cheliped, 4th joint with one spine on inner margin

and one (Miers: 2) on hind margin, wrist with one large spine on inner

margin and 2—3 smaller ones on outer surface, hand with one spine on

upper margin at base and 2 distally. Legs smooth, 4th joint of 5th

leg twice as long as broad. dactyl ovate, twice as long as broad, upper

and lower surfaces glabrous. Abdomen with 2nd and 3rd segments

transversely keeled, terminal segment longer than broad, and a little

narrower at base than distal margin of penultimate segment. Sternum

of 3 hollowed between bases of chelipeds.

Length 12-5-13 mm., breadth 18-19 mm. (incl. lateral spines).

(Miers gives 15x18 mm. to base of lateral spines.) Salmon-pink

(Alcock).

Locality.—Off Umhloti River mouth, Natal, 100 fathoms (Stebbing).

Distribution.—Kei and Admiralty Is., 140-150 fathoms; Malabar

and Coromandel coasts, 33-68 fathoms; Andaman Is.; Seychelles.

Gen. OvALIPES Rathbun

1902. Stebbing, Mar. Invest. S. Afr., ii, p. 12.

1910: Td.,.1-c,, 7p. so:

1930. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 152, p. 18.

Carapace a little broader than long, front not prominent, cut into

3 or 4 teeth, antero-lateral margin with 5 teeth (incl. outer orbital

angle). Basal joint of ant. 1 advanced, and visible dorsally between

the frontal teeth. Ant. 2 entering orbit, basal joint broad. Cornea

ovoid, not wider than eye-stalk, which is slightly curved. Dactyl of

5th leg broadly oval, apically rounded. Abdomen of 3 oblong, with

5 or 7 segments.

Ovalipes punctatus (de Haan)

Red Spot Swimming-crab.

Pies 27, a, 29) a=d.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 62 (Anisopus trimaculatus).

1894. Ortmann, Semon’s Austral. Reise, v, p. 44 (Platyonychus

bipustulatus).

1910. Stebbing, l. ¢., p. 306 (trimaculatus).

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 151

1921. Balss, Beitr. Kennt. Meeresf. Westafr., iii, p. 57 (trimaculatus).

1924. Balss in Skottsberg. Nat. Hist. Juan Fernandez and Easter

Is., m1. p. 336 (date apud Zool. Rec., 1929).

1927. Hale, Crust. S. Austral., pt. 1, p. 147, fig. 148 (bopustulatus).

1929. Chilton and Bennett, Trans. N. Zeal. Inst., lix (1928), p. 755

(bipustulatus).

1930. Rathbun, l. c., p. 24, pls. 5-8.

Carapace finely granulate, front with 4 teeth, a tooth on upper

orbital margin, and 4 teeth on antero-lateral margin behind outer

orbital tooth, lateral margins converging posteriorly, hind margin

arcuate. No stridulating ridge on pterygostomial region (only a line

of small granules and a furry band). Cheliped with fringe of shaggy

hair on inner side of upper margin, outer surface of wrist and hand

granulate, upper and outer surface of hand with 5 ridges, the upper-

most ending in a spine, the lowermost feeble, 2 feeble ridges on middle

of inner surface, lower surface with a series of transverse granulate

rugae (fig. 29, b), finger with 3 granulate or denticulate ridges distally.

2nd leg with a transverse horny ridge on distal margin of 4th joint

(fig. 29, c), antagonizing against the rugae on cheliped to form a

stridulating mechanism, especially well developed in old gg; dactyl

in adult $ larger than that of 3rd or 4th legs, falcate, its upper edge

deeply grooved; dactyl of 5th leg regularly oval, scarcely twice as long

as broad, upper and lower surfaces glabrous. Abdomen ¢ with

7 segments, 2nd and 3rd transversely keeled.

Length up to 3 55 mm., 9 42 mm., breadth ¢ 70 mm., 2 54 mm.

(Rathbun gives 85x 109-5 mm. for an Argentine ¢). Creamy-grey

or pale buff, speckled with reddish dots, a median crescentic red mark

and an oval red spot near each postero-lateral corner, hands of

chelipeds tinged with red or pink inside surface (K. H. B.). Stimpson

(1907) and Hale (1. ¢.) give the colour of the three marks as blue and

violet respectively in Japanese and South Australian examples. I

have never seen South African specimens with other than red or

russet-red spots, and Krauss gave the same colour.

Localitues.—Table Bay (Krauss, Rathbun); Port Elizabeth (Ort-

mann); Simon’s Bay (M. Edwards); False Bay (Stebbing); Agulhas

Bank and Algoa Bay, 40-80 metres (Doflein); Luderitzbucht, 0-10

metres (Balss); Table Bay, and False Bay to Port St. Johns, 0-50

fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Juan Fernandez, Peru, Chile, Uraguay, Argentine,

China, Japan, South and South-east Australia, New Zealand.

Remarks.—Hale’s statement that the carapace is “longer than

152 Annals of the South African Museum.

wide” would appear to be aslip. The smallest specimen I have seen

measures 6-5 mm. in length by 7-5 mm. in breadth. At this size the

rugae on lower surface of chela are already present, but the horny

ridge on 4th joint of 2nd leg does not reach its full development until

maturity, and even then is not nearly so strongly developed in 99 as

in large 3d.

Doflein (1904) describes and figures (photographically) the dactyl

of 5th leg of juveniles 7 mm. in length as finely pointed. Hnlargement

of the photograph shows that the appearance is mainly due to matting

together of the apical setae, though it is true that the apex is less

broadly rounded than in the adult.

Common in sandy bays, and buries itself rapidly after being

disturbed.

Gen. Lupa Leach

1902. Stebbing, Mar. Invest. 8. Afr., 1, p. 11.

1908. Jd., Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., vi, p. 11.

O10: Ideal ep sil

1930. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 152, p. 33 (Portunus

Weber, Fabr. non Leach).

Carapace glabrous, moderately or very broad, including the lateral

spines as much as twice as broad as long, little convex, front with 3-6

teeth (usually 4) excluding inner orbital teeth, antero-lateral margin

with 8 teeth behind outer orbital tooth, the last one strong and

projecting laterally, postero-lateral angles rounded. Upper orbital

margin usually with 2 fissures. Ant 1 transverse; basal joint of ant. 2

short and broad, its outer apex produced in a more or less spiniform

process entering the orbit but not excluding rest of antenna from

orbit (fig. 27, b). Antero-external margin of 4th joint of mxp. 3

rounded, not produced (fig. 27, b). Epistome produced in a strong

spine between bases of ant. 1 (fig. 27, 6). Chelipeds elongate, usually

longer than legs. Legs compressed; distal margin of 4th joint of 5th

leg smooth; dactyl of 5th leg ovate, upper and lower surfaces of 6th

joint and dactyl of 5th leg glabrous. Abdomen of 5 segments in 2,

triangular and evenly tapering.

Key to the South African Species.

1. A spine at end of hind margin of 4th joint of cheliped.

Carapace reticulated and mottled. : Se . pelagica.

2. No spine on hind margin of 4th joint of cheliped. Carapace

with 3 red spots near hind margin . ‘ : . sanguinolenta.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 153

Lupa pelagica (Linn.)

Blue Swimming-crab; Chinaman.

Fig. 27, 5b.

1878. Hilgendorf, MB Ak. Wiss. Berlin, pp. 799 and 849 (native

name).

1910. Stebbing, lL. ¢., p. 307.

? 1921. Id., Ann. Durban Mus., iu, p. 13 (pubescens, ? non Dana).

1927. Hale, S. Austral. Crust., pt. 1, p. 149, fig. 150 (Portunus p.).

1930. Monod, Zool. Anz., cxii, p. 140, fig. 6 (Neptunus p.).

1932. Shen, Hong Kong Natural., ii, p. 32, fig. 1 and pl. 6 (Portunus

trituberculatus).

1932. Id., Zool. Sinica, ix, p. 64, figs. 37, 38, and pl. 4, fig. 1 (Portunus

trituberculatus).

1934. Id., Hong Kong Natural., Suppl. no. 3, p. 37, fig. 1.

1934. Boone, Bull. Vanderbilt Mar. Mus., v, p. 63, pls. 21-24

(Neptunus p.).

1935. Chopra, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxvu, p. 476, fig. 3 (1st plp. 3)

(Neptunus p.).

1942. Ward, Bull. Mauritius Inst., ii, p. 79, pl. 5, fig. 4 (Portunus

mauritianus). -

1945. Stephensen, Dan. Sci. Invest. Iran. pt. 4, p. 124, fig. 26, E

(plp. 2 3).

Carapace about twice as broad as long (incl. lateral spines), granulate,

2 humps on cardiac and one on hinder gastric region, but these

variable in size and distinctness, front with 4 teeth but the middle pair

often small, or confluent, or obsolete; a transverse granular line

across gastric region, and another across branchial region from the

large lateral spine. Upper orbital margin with 2 fissures, the outer

corner of the lobe between them often dentiform. Chelipeds, 4th

joint with 3-4 spine-teeth on front margin, and one distally on hind

margin, hand with granulate costae and 3 spines, one at base and 2

distally. A small spine at apex of hind margin of 5th joint of 2nd

and 3rd legs.

Length up to 74 mm., breadth (incl. spines) 162 mm. Carapace,

chelipeds, and 5th legs mottled and reticulated with brownish grey,

greenish, bluish, or purplish red on a pale cream ground, finger and

thumb of chelipeds maroon or purplish, tubercle on inner and outer

sides of finger-hinge bright red, dactyls of legs more or less reddish.

154 Annals of the South African Museum.

Localities —Durban Bay (Krauss); Inhambane and Mozambique

(Hilgendorf); Natal (Stebbing); Delagoa Bay, Inhambane, Beira,

Mozambique (coll. K. H. B.).

Distribution.—East coast of Africa, Mauritius, Indo-Pacific to

China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand.

This species has migrated through the Suez Canal into the Mediter-

ranean (Fox, 1924, Nature, cxii, p. 714, and 1927, Trans. Zool. Soc.

Lond., xxii, p. 217); and has reached the Gulf of Alexandrette, Syria

(Monod, I. c.).

Remarks.—Varietal names have been given to several forms accord-

ing to the distinctness of the tubercles and the shape and sharpness of

the anterolateral spines; cf. Ward (1942, Mauritius Inst. Bull., u,

p- 79).

Stebbing’s small specimen, recorded as pubescens (1921), was

probably a juvenile of the present spines.

A common edible crab, frequently seen on the markets in Portuguese

Hast Africa.

Lupa sanguinolenta (Herbst)

Blood-spot Spiny Swimming-crab.

1905. Lenz, Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxvii, p. 359 (Neptunus s.).

1910. Stebbing, I. c.,<p. 307.

1914. Lenz. and Strunck, D. Siidpol Exp., xv, p. 278.

1927. Hale, |. c., p. 150, fig. 151 (Portunus s.).

1932. Shen, Hong Kong Natur., iii, p. 34, figs. 2, 3, and pl. 7, fig. a

(Portunus s.).

1935. Chopra, I. c., p. 474, fig. 2 (1st plp. 3) (Neptunus s.).

1938. Boone, Bull. Vanderbilt Mar. Mus., vii, p. 223, pls. 81-83

(Neptunus s.).

1945. Stephensen, Dan. Sci. Invest. Iran. pt. 4, p. 128, fig. 26, D

(plp. 2 3).

[Not Krauss, Siidafrik. Crust., p. 1l=sayi. See Rathbun, 1930,

beg Ds OA. |

Carapace very broad, about twice as broad as long, granulate, but

hinder part more or less smooth and nitidulous in adult, a fine trans-

verse granulate line across gastric region, and another across branchial

region from the large lateral spine, front with 4 teeth. Upper orbital

margin with 2 fissures. Chelipeds, 4th joint with 3-4 spine-teeth on

front margin, but none on hind margin, hand with smooth or very

finely granulate costae (the granules more noticeable in juv. than in

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 155

adult), and 2 spines, one at base and one distally. A small spine at

apex of hind margin of 5th joint of 2nd and 3rd legs.

Length up to 67 mm., breadth 168 mm. (inel. spines). Salmon-

pink with 3 red spots near hind margin of carapace, chelipeds more

or less reddish and mottled above, finger and thumb on inner surface

and the tubercle on inside and outside of finger-hinge maroon, dactyls

more or less reddish.

Localitues.—Cape St. Blaize and Durban (Stebbing); Mozambique

channel (Lenz); Agulhas Bank from Mossel Bay eastwards to Natal

and Zululand, 0-30 fathoms (8. Afr. Mus.); Delagoa Bay (coll.

kK i B.):

Distribution.—Réunion, south of Madagascar on Sargassum weed,

east coast of Africa, Indo-Pacific to China, Japan, Australia,

Hawaiian Is.

Gen. Monomia Gistel

1833. de Haan, Fauna Jap. Crust., pp. 3, 8 (Amphitrite, nom.

preocc.).

1848. Gistel, Naturgesch. Thierr., p. viii.

1899. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixvili, p. 30 (Amphitrite,

subgen. of Neptunus).

1930. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 152, p. 33 (as syn. of

Portunus).

1939. Ward, Amer. Mus. Novit., 1049, p. 3.

Carapace tomentose, moderately broad, little convex, the 9th

antero-lateral tooth strong. Basal joint of ant. 2 produced in a

blunt lobe-like process (fig. 27, c). Epistome not strongly spiniform.

Apex of 4th joint of mxp. 3, truncate, thickened and produced out-

wards (fig. 27, c). Abdomen ¢ with the composite 3rd (fused 3rd—5th)

segment harrowing rapidly distally, the penultimate and ultimate

segments narrow with sinuous lateral margins. Distal margin of

4th joint of 5th leg granulate, 6th joint and dactyl with longitudinal

ribs and intervening bands of fine pile (fig. 30, d). Otherwise as in

Lupa.

Key to the South African Species.

1. Suborbital notch with a distinct fissure. Beading on

postero-lateral margin of carapace composed of one row

of granules. 4 ‘ : : : :

2. Suborbital notch with only a trace of a fissure. Beading

composed of 2-3 rows of granules. : ‘ . argentata.

gladiator.

156 Annals of the South African Museum.

Monomia gladiator (Fabr.)

1899. Alcock, l. c., p. 35 (Neptunus (Amphitrite) g.).

1915. Stebbing, Ann. S. Afr. Mus., xv, p. 58 (Callinectes gladvator

Fabr.).

1937. Shen. Bull. Raffles Mus., 13, p. 101, fig. 2, a—c.

[Not Callinectus gladiator Benedict 1893. West Africa.]

Carapace tomentose, with low granulate elevations, front with

4 teeth, the middle pair smaller, upper orbital margin with 2 fissures,

outer angle of the intervening lobe dentiform, last antero-lateral

tooth not more than 24 times larger than any of the others. Epistomal

projection moderate. Chelipeds, 4th joint with 4 spine-teeth on

inner margin, 2 on outer margin distally, granules on upper surface

of 4th joint and lower surface of hand more or less in squamose lines,

wrist and hand with granulate ridges, 2 spines on upper surface of

hand, one at base, one at apex, ridge forming the outer edge of lower

surface of hand very prominent. No spine on outer margin of 5th

joint on 2nd and 3rd legs; distal and hind margin of 4th joint of 5th

leg granulate. Abdomen ¢ with sinuous margins, 6th segment widest

in middle; 2nd and 3rd segments with strong transverse keel in both

sexes. Ist pleopods g crossing, the narrow distal portion about as

long as the broader basal portion. Sternum very flat, tomentose,

the anterior segment (between bases of chelipeds) with numerous

irregularly arranged granules. Outer surface of 3rd—6th joints of

mxp. 3 and the exopod granulate.

Length up to 37 mm., breadth 67 mm. Brownish orange, chelipeds

with crimson spots.

Locality.—Natal (Stebbing, and 8. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Mauritius, Indian Seas, East Indies.

Remarks.—The postero-lateral border of carapace, which has its

angles rounded, of the single large g in the South African Museum

collection has a single row of granules. The suborbital notch is

continued at its apex into a distinct fissure.

Monomia argentata (White, M. Edwards)

Figs. 27 c, 30, a-d.

1861. Milne Edwards, Arch. Mus. Paris, x, pp. 332, 339, pl. 31,

fig. 4 (Neptunus a.).

1899. Alcock, l. c., p. 36 (Neptunus (Amphitrite) a.).

1902. de Man, Abh. Senckenb. Ges., xxv, p. 642 (Neptunus (Amphi-

trite) a.). 3

1926. Barnard, Trans, Roy. Soc. S. Afr., xiii, p. 120 (Neptunus a.).

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 157

Very closely allied to gladiator, and often regarded merely as a

variety. Distinguished as follows: a smaller species, carapace

slightly longer in proportion to its breadth, granulate elevations

rather more prominent, outer angle of middle lobe of upper orbital

Fie. 30.—Monomia argentata (White, M. Edw.). a, carapace and Ist—3rd

abdominal segments g. 6, sternum between chelipeds and 3rd—7th abdominal

segments g. c, Ist pleopods g. d, dactyl of 5th leg, marginal setae omitted.

Hellenus hastatoides (Fabr.). e, carapace and 2nd and 3rd abdominal segments

(Ist segment invisible) g. jf, sternum between chelipeds, and 3rd—7th abdominal

segments g. g, lst pleopods 3.

margin blunter, the ridge on outer surface of hand and that on thumb

of cheliped not only more salient but with a pearly sheen, the keel

on 3rd abdominal segment likewise more salient, and pearly; often

(but not always) a dark spot near top of dactyl of 5th leg.

Length up to 18 mm., breadth 31 mm.

Localities—Delagoa Bay (Barnard); off Umvoti River mouth,

Natal, 27 fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—The same as that of gladiator. ? Hawauan Is.

(Rathbun, 1906).

158 Annals of the South African Museum.

Remarks.—Both the Delagoa Bay ¢ and the Natal ovigerous 9 have

2-3 rows of granules along the postero-lateral margin of carapace.

The suborbital notch has only the merest trace of a fissure at its apex.

Not only the keels mentioned above, but the whole carapace and

chelipeds of these specimens when dried and cleaned show the pearly

lustre (cf. de Man, J. ¢.).

Gen. Hettenus M. Edw.

1879. Milne Edwards, Crust. Mexique, pp. 210, 221.

1887. de Man, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxii, p. 70.

1899. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxviii, pp. 30, 31.

Carapace tomentose, moderately broad, little convex, 9th antero-

lateral tooth strong. Postero-lateral margin with angular or uncinate

angles. Abdomen ¢ with ultimate and penultimate segments very

narrow, so that the abdomen is T-shaped. Otherwise as in Monomia.

Remarks.—de Man says M. Edwards grouped under this subgenus

species in which the postero-lateral angles of the carapace were acute

and often armed with a short spine. Alcock follows this arrangement.

But Rathbun (1930, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 152, p. 33) gives spim-

carpus, a species with rounded postero-lateral angles, as the type of the

genus Hellenus (cf. her figure, pl. 45, and description, p. 92).

Hellenus hastatoides (Fabr.)

Fig. 30, e-g.

1899. Alcock, l. c., p. 38 (Neptunus (Hellenus) h.).

1935. Chopra, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxvii, p. 477, fig. 4 (Ist plp. 3)

(Neptunus h.).

1937. Shen, Bull. Raffles Mus., 13, p. 107, figs. 5 a-c, 8, g, h.

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 363.

Carapace tomentose, flattened, but with low granulate elevations,

front with 4 teeth, the middle pair much smaller than the outer pair,

which is blunt, upper orbital margin with 2 fissures, the outer corner

of the intervening lobe shortly dentiform, postero-lateral margin

finely beaded (middle portion with 2-3 rows of granules), postero-

lateral angles acute, up-turned or claw-like. Epistomal projection

very short. Suborbital notch not wide, narrowing rapidly to a fissure.

Chelipeds and legs as in gladiator; distal margin of 4th joint of 5th leg

denticulate. Abdomen in g with the fused 4th and 5th segments

narrowing very rapidly, 6th segment twice as long as its middle width;

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 159

in both sexes 2nd segment transversely keeled, but not as strongly as

in gladiator, 3rd strongly keeled, usually with slight median indent.

Ist pleopods ¢ not crossing, the distal portion shorter than the broader

basal portion. Sternum very flat, tomentose, the anterior segment

(between the chelipeds) in 9 as in gladiator, but in 3 with few and

larger granules (almost tubercles) in transverse rows. Outer surface

of mxp. 3 scarcely or only feebly granulate.

Length up to ¢ 19 mm., 9 18 mm., breadth $ 37 mm., 9 36 mm.

Locality.—Coast of Zululand, 25 fathoms (8. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Indian Seas, Persian Gulf, Hong Kong.

Remarks.—The s.s. Pieter Faure took 85 specimens of this species

in two hauls in the above area, including juveniles 7 mm. in length,

and ovigerous 99. The large lateral spine, and the uncinate spine at

the postero-lateral angle, are relatively larger in the young than in the

adult.

Gen. AcCHELOUS de Haan.

1899. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixvili, p. 30 (subgen. of

Neptunus).

1910. Stebbing, l. ¢., p. 307.

1920. Id., Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xvii, p. 236.

1938. Gordon, Bull. Raffles Mus., no. 14, p. 179.

[Not Rathbun, 1930, |. c. pp. 33, 35, subgen. of Portunus.]

Carapace glabrous, subcircular or not very broad, flat, postero-

lateral angles rounded. Antero-lateral teeth subequal, the 9th either

very little larger, or even smaller than, the others. EHpistome feebly

| produced. Apex of 4th joint of mxp. 3 truncate, thickened, produced

laterally. Dactyl of 5th leg glabrous.

Remarks.—Rathbun gives spinimanus Latr. as the genotype, but

her description of that species will not fit into Alcock’s definition.

Ward (1942, Mauritius Inst. Bull., u, p. 79) creates a new genus

Cycloachelous for the Indo-Pacific forms.

Achelous orbicularis Richters

Missal, a:

1920. Stebbing, l. c., p. 236.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., ii, p. 51 (Cycloachelous o.).

Carapace glabrous and nitidulous, feebly granulate in places, with

patches of distinct granules mostly near the periphery and on the

gastric and cardiac regions. Middle pair of frontal teeth smaller than

160 Annals of the South African Museum.

outer pair; upper orbital margin with only one fissure, antero-lateral

teeth subequal, the 1st (outer orbital tooth) longest, the 9th smallest.

Suborbital notch rapidly narrowing to a fissure. 4th joint of mxp.3,

cf. figure 27, c of argentata, but outer apical angle sharper. Cheliped,

4th joint broad, hind margin strongly convex, with 2 spines, front

margin with 4 spines, wrist and hand with smooth ridges except the

uppermost one on hand which is granulate. No spine on outer apex

of 5th joint of 2nd and 3rd legs; 4th joint of 5th leg longer than wide,

hind margin smooth. Abdomen 9 2nd segment feebly, 3rd strongly

transversely keeled. Abdomen and sternum glabrous and smooth.

Length 2 18 mm., breadth 24 mm.

Locality. —Off Umkomas River mouth, Natal, 13 fathoms (Stebbing).

Distribution.—Mauritius, Laccadives, and Andaman Is.

Remarks.—Only the one non-ovigerous @ has been discovered in

South African waters.* The species is easily recognized by its shape.

Gen. Scytua de Haan

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 308.

Carapace glabrous (except around margins), broad, moderately

convex and nearly even, front with 4 teeth (excl. inner orbital teeth),

antero-lateral margin with 9 (incl. outer orbital tooth) subequal teeth,

the last not enlarged or laterally outstanding, postero-lateral angles

rounded. Upper orbital margin with 2 fissures. Basal joint of ant. 2

with subacute process, not excluding rest of antenna from orbit.

Epistome not produced. Outer surface of mxp. 3 smooth, apex of

4th joint rounded-quadrate. Chelipeds robust, wrist and hand

smooth, without ridges (except feeble ones in juvenile), hand inflated.

Legs smooth; 4th joint of 5th leg longer than broad, dactyl glabrous,

ovate, the hinder half projecting apically in a minute point (unguis)

(fig. 31, c). Abdomen of ¢ triangular, evenly tapering, 3rd—5th

segments coalesced; 2nd and 3rd segments not strongly keeled in

either sex.

Scylla serrata (Forskal)

I ijnreioes 2 SBT ope

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 61 (Achelous crassumanus).

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 799.

1910. Stebbing, /. c., p. 308, and «bid. (A. crassimanus).

1917. Id., Ann. Durban Mus., ui, p. 9.

* One juv. g, 28° 28’S., 32° 25’ E., 27 m., Fisheries Survey, 1948.

Descripiive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 161

1932. Shen, Hong Kong Natural., i, p. 36, figs. 4, 5, and pl. 7,

fig. b.

1934. Boone, Bull. Vanderbilt Mar. Mus., v, p. 68, pls. 25-30.

1940. Arriola, J. Philipp. Sci., Ixxii, p. 437, pls. 1-3 (habits, etc.).

Carapace finely granulate, with a faint transverse granular line

across gastric region, and one across each branchial region from the

9th lateral tooth. Cheliped, 4th joint with 3 spines on front margin,

2 on hind margin, hand with one spine-tooth on upper surface at base,

and 2 at apex. No spines on legs.

Length up to 140 mm., breadth 220 mm. Dark brownish or

greenish, chelipeds and legs more or less mottled with paler brown or

reddish or whitish markings.

Localitues.—Plettenberg Bay (Pt. Hlizabeth Mus.); Zwartkops

River, Algoa Bay (McLeay, Miers); Durban Bay (Krauss, Miers,

Stebbing); Mozambique (Miers); Delagoa Bay, Inhambane, Beira,

Chinde, Mozambique (coll. K. H. B. 1912).

Distribution.—East coast of Africa, Mauritius, Indo-Pacific to

Japan and Australia.

Remarks.—This large and powerful crab inhabits mud-banks in

estuaries, bays, and mangrove swamps, where it digs deep burrows.

It is edible, and is to be seen in all markets on the east coast.

McLeay’s species is obviously the common serrata, as there is no

other crab in South African waters of the size given by him. Stebbing

hesitated to accept the synonymy on account of McLeay’s statement

that the abdomen (3) had 7 segments; but the sutures of 7 segments

are discernible in specimens, and McLeay did not notice, or did not

attach any importance to, the fact that segments 3-5 are not actually

articulated or movable inier se. Mr. Ward informs me that McLeay’s

type is not in the McLeay collection in the Australian Museum.

Gen. GoNIONEPTUNUS Ortm.

1893/4. Ortmann, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., vu, p. 79.

1899. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxvin, pp. 48, 67 (subgen. of

Charybdis).

1935. Shen, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (10), xv, p. 404 (subgen. of

Charybdis).

Carapace tomentose, broad, little convex, regions fairly well defined,

front with 4 teeth (excl. inner orbital teeth), antero-lateral margin

with 6 teeth (incl. outer orbital tooth), the 2nd one usually smaller

than the others, the 6th not very prominent, postero-lateral angles

VOL. XXXVIII. dl

162 Annals of the South African Museum.

more or less rounded. Upper orbital margin with 2 fissures. Basal

joint of ant. 2 with lobe-like subtruncate process, not meeting front

and not excluding rest of antenna from orbit. Hpistome not produced.

e ™~.

J

Bia. 31.—Achelous orbicularis Richters. a, carapace 9.

Scylla serrata (Forskal). 6, carapace. c, dactyl of 5th leg, marginal setae

omitted.

Gonioneptunus africanus (Shen). d, carapace. e, ventral view of front. Ws

cheliped. g, 4th joint of (left) mxp. 3. h, 4th joint of 5th leg. 7, dactyl of

5th leg, marginal setae omitted.

Gonioneptunus smithii (McLeay). J, outline of carapace drawn from photograph

of McLeay’s type forwarded by Mr. Melbourne Ward.

Apex of 4th joint of mxp. 3 produced in a thin rounded lobe (fig. 31, 9).

Chelipeds moderately elongate, hind margin of 4th joint usually

ending in a spine, wrist and hand costate. 4th joint of 5th leg with

spine on hind margin, dactyl ovate, with small but distinct unguis,

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 163

and pilose stripes (fig. 31, 2). Abdomen with 3rd—5th segments

completely fused in g; 2nd and 3rd segments keeled in both sexes,

the 3rd more strongly so than 2nd.

Remarks.—Although usually regarded as a subgenus of Charybdis,

it is clearly distinguished by the non-exclusion of the distal part of

antenna 2 from the orbit, if importance be attached to this character.

Alcock makes subornatus Ortm. a synonym of truncatus (Fabr.), but

Shen does not refer to the latter species.

Key to the South African Species.

1. Outer orbital tooth not reaching the level of any of the

notches between frontal teeth. 6th lateral tooth

scarcely projecting beyond (laterally) the 5th tooth

(figs 31,9) : : : J ; : smithir.

2. Outer orbital tooth reaching at least to the level of apex of

inner orbitaltooth. 6th lateral tooth projectinga little,

but definitely, beyond the 5th tooth (fig. 31, d) . . africanus.

Gonioneptunus smith (McLeay)

Bie 31,7.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 61 (Charybdis s.).

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 307 (Charybdis s.).

Carapace glabrous (McLeay), with very faint fine granular trans-

verse lines, with patches of granules on cardiac and inner branchial

regions, 4 acute frontal teeth, with shallow notches between the pair

on either side of the deeper median notch, a deeper notch between the

outermost frontal and inner orbital teeth, which latter is widely bifid;

the upper orbital margin oblique so that the apex of outer orbital tooth

lies far behind level of inner orbital tooth or any of the frontal notches;

suborbital tooth not projecting beyond level of frontal teeth; 2nd

antero-lateral tooth smaller than the others, 6th scarcely projecting

beyond the 5th, 1st-5th teeth somewhat squarish, externally granulate-

serrate, the outer margin of first 4 teeth diverging backwards, that

of 5th tooth perpendicular to transverse axis of carapace. Cornea

(apparently) not enlarged. Chelipeds, 4th joint granulate, 4-5

(McLeay: 3) spines on front margin, hind margin ending in a spine,

wrist and hand with granulate costae, the granules being especially

well developed on inner upper margin and on both inner and outer

surfaces of hand, hand with one spine at base, one at apex. 4th

joint of 5th leg longer than broad, with spine on hind margin, 6th joint

with smooth hind margin, dactyl with ungual point.

164 Annals of the South African Museum.

Length 41 mm., breadth 56 mm. (fide M. Ward).

Locality.—South Africa (McLeay).

Remarks.—The present description and figure taken from a photo-

graph of McLeay’s type forwarded by Mr. Melbourne Ward. McLeay’s

species is considered by Mr. Ward to be the same as truncatus M. Kdw..,

non Fabr.

Gonioneptunus africanus (Shen)

Wig. 31, d-1.

1935. Shen; f. c., p. 405, figs. 1 and 2, d.

Carapace tomentose, with transverse lines of granules on gastric

and branchial regions, patches of granules on frontal, orbital, and

antero-lateral margins, and on cardiac and inner branchial regions;

the 4 frontal teeth rounded or subacute, the middle pair slightly more

prominent, separated by a deeper notch than that between the inner

and outer tooth on each side; inner orbital tooth angular, not so

prominent as outer frontal tooth; upper orbital margin semicircular,

outer orbital tooth extending forwards to level of inner orbital or

outer frontal tooth; suborbital tooth projecting beyond level of

frontal teeth; 2nd antero-lateral tooth the smallest, 6th projecting

beyond 5th laterally, Ist-5th teeth somewhat squarish, externaliy

granulate-serrate, outer margin of first 3 teeth diverging backwards,

that of 4th and 5th converging backwards. Process of basal joint of

ant. 2 subquadrate, subtruncate. Cornea globular, wider than stalk.

Chelipeds, 4th joint granulate, with 3 (major) spines on front margin,

hind margin ending in a spine (not large and usually adpressed), wrist

and hand with granulate costae, granules especially well developed

on inner upper margin and on outer surface of hand, inner surface of

hand smooth with a low smooth or only feebly granulate ridge, upper

surface with one spine at base and 2 at apex. 4th joint of 5th leg

longer than broad (nearly twice as long as broad in juv., but only

1} times in adult), with spine on hind margin, 6th joint with smooth

hind margin, dactyl with ungual point, and pilose stripes. 6th

abdominal segment ¢g shorter than its basal width, lateral margins

gently convex. Ist pleopods 3 not crossing, distal portion shorter

than the stouter basal portion (cf. H. hastatoides).

Length up to f 20 mm., 217 mm., breadth 3 30 mm., 2 25 mm.

Localitves.—Oft Gt. Fish Point, and off Tugela River mouth, 30-63

fathoms (Shen); several other localities between these localities,

25-65 fathoms (S. Afr. Mus.).

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 165

Remarks.—The s.s. Pieter Faure captured about 85 specimens of

this species in the above area, including juveniles from 5x8 mm.

upwards; smallest ovigerous 2 10x16 mm.

Gen. CHARYBDIS de Haan

1899. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixvin, p. 47 (part: excl.

Gonioneptunus).

1910. Stebbing, /. c., p. 306.

1935. Chopra, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxvu, pp. 482 sqq. (figs. Ist plp. 3).

1936. Leene, Zool. Mededeel., xix, p. 117.

1937. Id., cbid., xix, p. 165.

1937. Shen, Bull. Raffles Mus., xi, p. 116 (key to species).

1938. Leene, Siboga Exp. monogr., xxxix c. 3.

1941. Ward, Amer. Mus. Novit., 1104, p. 3.

Carapace more or less regularly hexagonal, the antero-lateral

margins diverging backwards, so that the extent of the fronto-

orbital margin is much less than maximum width of carapace; front

cut into 6 teeth (excl. inner orbital teeth), usually 6 (sometimes 5 or 7)

antero-lateral teeth incl. outer orbital tooth, transverse ridges more

or less distinct; postero-lateral and hind margins either evenly curved

(Charybdis sensu stricto) or meeting in a distinct projecting angle

(Gonohellenus). Upper orbital margin with 2 fissures. Basal joint

of ant. 2 broad, with an apical lobe meeting inner orbital tooth and

completely excluding rest of antenna from orbit (fig. 27, d). Chelipeds

massive, hind margin of 4th joint without (Charybdis) or with (Gonio-

hellenus) a spine. Legs compressed; 4th joint of 5th leg with or

without a spine on hind margin, dactyl ovate, with minute ungual

point. Abdomen of $ with 3rd—5th segments fused, 2nd and 3rd with

moderately salient keels.

Remarks.—The frontal teeth are often blunter and more rounded in

juveniles than in adults (cf. de Man, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxu, p. 84,

1887).

Key to the South African Species.

(All the species belong to Charybdis s.s.)

A. No (distinct) transverse ridges behind level of last antero-

lateral tooth.

1. Ist antero-lateral tooth truncate and notched (fig.

32, a). Hind margin of 5th joint of 5th leg

without spine, of 6th joint smooth (juy. with

2-3 minute denticles) . ‘ : ‘ . cruciata.

166 Annals of the South African Museum.

2. Ist antero-lateral tooth acute (fig. 32, 6). Hind

margin of 6th joint of 5th leg denticulate.

a. Hind margin of 5th joint of 5th leg with spine . merguiensis.

6. Hind margin of 5th joint of 5th leg without spine.

Hand of cheliped with 3 spines on upper

surface (fig. 32, h) . ; ; : . annulata.

B. A transverse ridge on cardiac region, and one or 2 ridges

on hinder half of each branchial region (fig. 32, c).

1. Tworidges on hinder branchialregion. All the antero-

lateral teeth well developed.

a. Last antero-lateral tooth not enlarged . . natator.

b. Last antero-lateral tooth twice as long as any of

the others (fig. 32, c). A stout tooth on

lobe of basal joint of ant. 2 . variegata.

2. One ridge on hinder branchial region. 2nd antero-

lateral tooth rudimentary (fig. 32,d,e) . . orrentalis.

Charybdis cruciata (Herbst)

Fig. 32, a.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 306.

1929. McNeill, Rec. Austral. Mus., xvi, p. 149, pl. 37, fig. 5.

1931. Gordon, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxxvii, p. 538, fig. 13, e (Ist

plp. 3).

1932. Shen, Hong Kong Natural., i, p. 38, fig. 6 and pl. 8.

1934. Boone, Bull. Vanderbilt Mar. Mus., v, p. 53, pl. 17 (crucifera).

1935. Chopra, I. c., p. 482, fig. 7 (Ist plp. 3).

1945. Stephensen, Dan. Sci. Invest. Iran, pt. 4, p. 114, fig. 24, A

(plp. 2 3).

Carapace about 2 as long as broad, glabrous in adult, sparsely

setose in juv., nearly smooth; Ist antero-lateral (outer orbital) tooth

truncate and feebly notched or bifid, last tooth scarcely more prominent

than the others; a fine granular line joining the last antero-lateral

teeth but interrupted or obsolete medianly, and 2 lines on gastric

region, the anterior one widely interrupted medianly, all lines becoming

faint in adult; the curved costate hind and postero-lateral margins

prominent in juv., less so (medianly) in adult. Lobe of basal joint of

ant. 2 with a granulate ridge. Chelipeds, 4th joint with 3 large spines

on anterior margin, hand with 4 spines on upper surface, only 2 costae

on upper surface, the lower of which is continued on to thumb, costae

granulate in juv., smooth in adult, intervening surfaces somewhat

wrinkled. 5th leg, 4th joint ? as broad as long, with spine on hind

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 167

margin, 5th joint without spine, 6th joint with smooth entire hind

margin in adult, but with 2-3 minute denticles in juv. Lateral

margins of 6th abdominal segment g gently convex and gradually

converging distally. Ist pleopods 3 curving evenly outwards, not

crossing.

Fic. 32.—Charybdis cruciata (Herbst). a, outline of anterior part of carapace.

Charybdis merguiensis (de Man). 6, the same.

Charybdis variegata (Fabr.). c, the same (after Shen).

Charybdis orientalis Dana. d, the same (after Rathbun). e, the same, ¢ from

Delagoa Bay. ff, 3rd—7th abdominal segments 3. g, Ist pleopod 3.

Charybdis annulata (Fabr.). h, chela, outer view slightly from above.

Length up to 80 mm., breadth 122 mm. Buff or cream-coloured,

with bands and patches of carmine or maroon, usually a more or less

distinct pale cross on gastric region, chelipeds and legs banded or

reticulated or spotted with rose-red, finger and thumb mostly pale,

tips dark reddish or violet-brown.

Locahixes.—Port Alfred (Stebbing); Durban and Delagoa Bay

(S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—Indo-Pacific to Japan and Australia.

168 Annals of the South African Museum.

Charybdis merguiensis (de Man)

Figs. 27, d, 32, b.

1830. Riippell, Beschreib. 24 Krabben, p. 4, pl. 1, fig. 1, pl. 6,

fig. 1 (Talamita sexdentata Herbst).

1887. de Man, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxii, p. 82, pl. 5, figs. 3, 4

(Goniosoma m.).

1899) Alcock, ie; poo:

1908. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., vi, p. 10 (sexdentata Herbst).

1910. Id., 1. c., p. 306 (sexdentata Herbst).

1926. Barnard, Trans. Roy. Soc. 8. Afr., xi, p. 120.

1930. Monod, Zool. Anz., xcii, p. 140, fig. 7.

1935. Chopra, l. c., p. 484, fig. 8 (Ist plp. g).

1937. Leene, l. c., p. 165.

1937. Shen, Bull. Raffles Mus., 13, p. 121, fig. 12, a—d.

Like cruciata, but frontal teeth more acute, antero-lateral teeth all

more claw-like or spiniform, the lst acute; hand of cheliped with

5 spines; 4th joint of 5th leg half as broad as long, hind margin of 5th

joint (as well as 4th) with a spine, hind margin of 6th with 6-12

denticles. 6th abdominal segment ¢ with parallel (or slightly

divergent) sides until within a quarter of distal margin, where they

converge rapidly; Ist pleopods considerably more slender and some-

what sinuous in their distal half; tips of finger and thumb pale in

colour.

Length up to 46 mm., breadth 69 mm. Buff or cream or dirty grey,

with reddish or crimson patches medianly on hinder half of carapace,

and on either side of median line anteriorly, chelipeds and legs mottled

and banded, finger and thumb red basally, dark brown distally with

white tips.

Localities.—Natal (Stebbing, and 8. Afr. Mus.); Delagoa Bay

(Barnard).

Distribution.—Indian Seas, East Indies to Hong Kong. Also

recorded from Palestine (migrated via Suez Canal).

Remarks.—The coloration is very like that given by Riippell for

Red Sea specimens as regards the finger and thumb of chelipeds.

Monod’s specimen had 3 blackish-red spots on carapace.

Leene (1. c., p. 168) states that the type of sexdentata Herbst 1783

(not sexdentata de Haan 1850=japonica M. Edw. 1861) seems to be

lost, so that its identity cannot be established. It is therefore prefer-

able to use de Man’s name for this species, which is well characterized

by the spine on 5th joint of 5th leg.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 169

Charybdis annulata (Fabr.)

Fig. 32, A.

1899:Aleoek,-1:¢., p. 54.

1930. Leene,\tié..p. 167, fig. 1.

1937. Chopra and Das, Rec. Ind. Mus., xxxix, p. 393, fig. 4 (¢ abd.

and Ist plp.).

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 363.

Resembling mergwiensis, but upper margin of hand has only

3 spines, the apical pair being reduced to mere blunt, feebly prominent

knobs; 5th joint of 5th leg has no spine on hind margin. Ist pleopods

as IN merguiensis.

Length up to 47 mm., breadth 70 mm. (Alcock). Dull rosy-red,

carapace symmetrically mottled (more or less cruciate markings),

finger and thumb of chela maroon, legs banded (Stephenson’s

specimen).

Localities.—Scottburgh, Natal (coll. K. H. B.); Durban (coll.

Professor T. A. Stephenson); also one other specimen without locality

in South African Museum.

Distribution.—Madagascar, Indian Seas, Malay Archipelago.

Charybdis natator (Herbst)

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 801.

1908. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., vi, p. 9, pls. 2; 3 (Crust.,

pls. 28, 29).

PO ee ie. p. s0t: |

1932. Shen, Hong Kong Natural., i, p. 40, figs. 7, 8, and pl. 9,

fig. a.

Carapace rather coarsely tomentose, a transverse granular ridge

between the last antero-lateral teeth (interrupted by the cardiac-

branchial grooves) and 2 in front, the anterior one medianly inter-

rupted, one across the cardiac region and 2 short ones on each hinder

branchial region; Ist antero-lateral (outer orbital) tooth blunt or

truncate, the last smaller than preceding teeth. Lobe of basal joint

- of ant. 2 with a granulate ridge. Chelipeds granulate-tuberculate on

under surface, especially of hand, granules arranged in transverse

squamose ridges, front margin of 4th joint with 3 large spines (as well

as smaller ones), hand with 5 spines on upper margin. 5th leg, 4th

joint with spine on hind margin, 5th joint without spine, hind margin

170 Annals of the South African Museum.

of 6th joint denticulate (not conspicuously so in large examples).

Lateral margins of 6th abdominal segment ¢ convex, slightly diverging

until quite near distal margin; 2nd—4th segments in both sexes

transversely keeled. 1st pleopods ¢ very slender in apical half.

Length up to 84 mm., breadth 123 mm., cheliped g 230 mm.

Mottled reddish or crimson, finger and thumb of chelae maroon-red

basally, blackish apically, denticles on finger and thumb mostly

blackish.

Localitees.—Durban (Krauss, Miers, Stebbing); Inhambane (Hilgen-

dorf); Delagoa Bay (coll. van der Horst).

Distribution.—Indian Seas, East Indies to Philippine Is., and China.

Remarks.—One 3 specimen in South African Museum has no trace

of the transverse squamae on underside of hand of the right cheliped,

but is covered quite irregularly with granules of varying sizes.

Charybdis variegata (Fabr.)

Fig. 32, c.

1920. Stebbing, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xvii, p. 237.

1935. Chopra, l. ¢., p. 488, fig. 10 (1st plp. 3).

1937. Leene, 1. ¢., p. 169, and var. brevispinosa, p. 170, figs. 2,

4, a, b.

1937. Shen, Bull. Raffles Mus., 13, p. 127, fig. 15, a-c.

As in natator, but last antero-lateral tooth twice as large as preceding

one, salient and spiniform as in the species of Lupa; and lobe of

basal joint of ant. 2 with a prominent tooth. 6th joint of 5th leg

with 1-2 inconspicuous spinules distally on hind margin. 6th

abdominal segment 3 broader than long, with strongly convex sides.

Length up to 21 mm., breadth 36 mm.

Locality.— Off Tugela River mouth, 47 fathoms (Stebbing).

Distribution.—Red Sea, Indian Seas, China, Japan.

Remarks.—This small species is distinguished by the prominent

tooth on basal joint of 2nd antenna, and the salient last antero-lateral

tooth.

Charybdis orientalis Dana

Fig. 32, d-g.

1906. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Fish. Comm. for 1903, pt. 3, p. 872,

fig. 32 (abd. 3) and pl. 13, fig. 1.

1918. Stebbing, Ann Durban Mus., ii, p. 50.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 171

Like natator and variegata, but only one ridge on hinder half of each

branchial region, the 2nd antero-lateral tooth is reduced to a denticle

at base of Ist tooth, and last antero-lateral tooth is not enlarged (at

least in adult; it may be in juv.). Lobe of basal joint of ant. 2 with

a smooth (or nearly so) ridge. 6th joint of 5th leg denticulate on hind

margin. 6th abdominal segment 3 with parallel sides (fig. 32, f).

Length up to 37 mm., breadth 56 mm.

Localities.—Durban (Stebbing); Delagoa Bay (coll. van der Horst).

Distribution.—Indian Seas, Philippine Is., Society Is., and

Hawaiian Is.

Gen. THALAMITA Latr.

1902. Borradaile, F. Geogr. Mald. Laccad. Archip., i, p. 201.

1910. Stebbing, lL. ¢., p. 309.

1938. Gordon, Bull. Raffles Mus., no. 14, p. 176.

1939. Schmitt, Smithson. Misc. Coll., xcvii, 6, p. 16.

Carapace more or less hexagonal, but the antero-lateral margins

are subparallel or diverge very little posteriorly owing to the width of

the fronto-orbital margin, which is not much less than maximum

width of carapace; front cut into 2, 4, or 6 rounded or subquadrate

lobes, not including the rather broad inner orbital tooth, 5 (sometimes

only 4) antero-lateral teeth including the outer orbital tooth (the

penultimate tooth sometimes rudimentary or obsolete), transverse

ridges usually distinct, hind and postero-lateral margins evenly

curved. Upper orbital margin with 2 fissures. Basal joint of ant. 2

very broad, apical lobe long and in contact for its whole length with

inner orbital tooth, thus completely excluding rest of antenna from

orbit (fig. 27, e). Chelipeds strong. Abdomen of ¢ with 3rd—5th

segments fused, 2nd and 3rd feebly or not strongly keeled.

Key to the South African Species.

I. Length of basal joint of ant. 2 (from base to apex of lobe)

much greater than major diameter of orbit.

A. Front cut into 6 subequal lobes (excl. inner orbital

tooth). No transverse ridges behind level of

last antero-lateral tooth (fig. 33, a). Hind

margin of 6th joint of 5th leg spinulose.

1. 5 subequal antero-lateral teeth (fig. 33, a).

a. Transverse ridges faint. Outer surface of

hand of cheliped nearly smooth . crenata.

6. Transverse ridges very distinct. Outer

surface of hand costate . 5 . danae.

172 Annals of the South African Museum.

2. 4th antero-lateral tooth rudimentary (cf. fig.

33, C).

a. Crest on lobe of basal joint of ant. 2 with

large spines . : : 3 . prymna.

b. Crest smooth j 3 : . picta.

_ B. Front cut into 2 lobes (fig. 33, b, Bi An additional

ridge across cardiac and branchial regions behind

level of last antero-lateral tooth (sometimes

interrupted or faintly indicated).

1. Front margin of inner orbital tooth convex,

much narrower than either of frontal lobes

(fig. 33, 6). Hind margin of 6th joint of

5th leg smooth : : suma.

2. Front margin of inner orbital ooh ean: (Ge

nearly so), not much narrower than frontal

lobes. 4th antero-lateral tooth small or

rudimentary (fig. 33, c). Hind margin of

6th joint of 5th leg spinulose.

a. Crest on basal joint of ant. 2 serrate . admete.

b. Crest smooth : : integra.

II. Length of basal joint of ant. 2 subequal to major dramieter

of orbit. Front cut into 4 lobes, the middle ones much

wider than outer ones (fig. 33, d, g).

A. 5 antero-lateral teeth, the 4th one small. Transverse

ridges distinct (fig. 33, d).

1. 5 spines on upper surface of hand of cheliped.

Sternum and abdomen ¢ glabrous but

pitted. Ist pleopod ¢ stout (fig. 33, f) . wood-masoni.

2. 6 spines on upper surface of hand. Sternum

and abdomen ¢ with setose grooves. Ist

pleopod ¢ slender distally (fig. 33, 7) . delagoae.

B. 4 antero-lateral teeth, the 3rd one small. Only the

branchial transverse ridge distinct (fig.33,g) . inhacae.

Thalamita crenata (Latr.), M. Edw.

Mies 27, ¢, 33;"a:

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 800.

1910. Stebbing, lJ. c., p. 309.

1937. Shen, Bull. Raffles Mus., 13, p. 129, fig. 16, a-d.

Carapace more or less tomentose, about 2 as long as broad, with

fine granular transverse ridges, 4 short ones in a crescent on anterior

border of gastric region, one straight across middle of gastric region,

and one joining the last antero-lateral teeth (interrupted medianly

and at cardiac-branchial grooves), all 5 antero-lateral teeth subequal;

front with 6 subequal rounded-quadrate Jobes. Total length of basal

a ei

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 173

1

J g

Fic. 33.—Thalamita crenata (Latr.), M. Edw: a, carapace.

Thalamita sima M. Edw. 6, carapace (after Shen).

Thalamita admete (Herbst). c, carapace.

Thalamita wood-masoni Alc. d, carapace. e, 3rd—7th abdominal segments ¢.

f, 1st pleopod ¢.

Thalamita inhacaen. sp. 9. g, carapace.

Thalamita delagoaen.sp. §. h, 3rd—7th abdominal segments 3. 7, lst pleopod J,

with apex further enlarged.

174 Annals of the South African Museum.

joint of ant. 2 much greater than major diameter of orbit, lobe with a

granulate crest. Cheliped, front margin of 4th joint with 3 major

spines, outer surface of wrist with 3 adpressed teeth, upper surface of

hand with 5 spines, the outer apical one, or all of them, blunt, outer

surface smooth except for a feebly granulate ridge near lower margin,

continued on to thumb. 5th leg, 4th joint with spine on hind margin,

hind margin of 6th joint more or less denticulate. 6th abdominal

segment ¢ with slightly convex and converging sides. Ist pleopod 3g

slender, especially in its distal third.

Length up to 47 mm., breadth 72 mm.

Localities —Durban Bay (Krauss, Miers); Mozambique (Bianconi,

Hilgendorf, Miers); Delagoa Bay and Mozambique (coll. K. H. B.).

Distribution.—Mauritius, Madagascar, Indo-Pacific.

Thalamita danae Stimpson

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 800.

1887. de Man, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxi, p. 78, pl. 4, figs. 8, 9.

1899. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, lxviii, p. 77 (references).

1902. Borradaile, J. c., p. 201 (var. of prymna).

1934. Shen, Hong Kong Natural., Suppl., no. 3, p. 52, figs. 15, 16.

Differs from crenata thus; carapace about # as long as broad,

transverse ridges very prominent, upper and outer surfaces of 4th—6th

joints of cheliped granulate, 6-7 ridges on hand and the spines much

sharper, 6th abdominal segment g much broader than long, its sides

divergent for } their length, then rapidly converging.

Length up to 39 mm., breadth 64 mm. Purplish or brick-red

(Stimpson).

Locality.—Mozambique (Hilgendorf).

Distribution.—As for crenata.

Thalamita prymna (Herbst)

1887. de Man, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxii, p. 75, pl. 4, figs. 5, 6.

1902. Borradaile, |. c., p. 201.

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 309.

1926. Barnard, Trans. Roy. Soc. 8. Afr., xiii, p. 120.

1934. Boone, Bull. Vanderbilt Mar. Mus., v, p. 73, pls. 31-34.

1937. Shen, Bull. Raffles Mus., 13, p. 133, fig. 18 a-—d.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., ii, p. 81.

Carapace more or less tomentose, transverse ridges very distinct,

the middle gastric ridge continued, following the curve of the orbits,

SS ae

——

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 175

to the notch between Ist and 2nd antero-lateral teeth, the 4th antero-

lateral tooth rudimentary or absent, the 4 middle frontal lobes

quadrate, front margin of inner orbital tooth convex. Lobe of basal

joint of ant. 2 with a row of spines of which some (1-3) are large.

Chelipeds similar to those of danae, but without faint ridge separating

inner and lower surfaces of hand. 6th joint of 5th leg denticulate.

6th abdominal segment ¢ about as long as broad, with gently

convergent sides.

Breadth up to 62 mm. (Hilgendorf).

Localities.—Durban Bay (Krauss); Delagoa Bay (Barnard).

Distributton.—Indo-Pacific.

Thalamita picta Stimpson

2 1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 800 (juv. crenata or

picta).

1884. Miers, Crust. H.M.S. Alert, p. 540.

1887. de Man, I. c., p. 76.

1899. Alcock, l. c., p. 79.

1902. Borradaile, I. c., p. 201 (var. of prymna).

1937. Shen, Bull. Raffles Mus., 13, p. 135, fig. 19, a—d.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., 11, p. 81.

Differs from prymna thus: the 2 middle frontal lobes project more

than the others, the ridge on lobe of basal joint of ant. 2 is tooth-like

with a smooth entire edge.

Locality.—Mozambique (Hilgendorf).

Distribution.—Red Sea, Amirante Is., Andaman Is., Japan, New

Caledonia.

Thalamita sima M. Edw.

Fig. 33, 6.

? 1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 800 (juv.).

1884. Miers, Crust., H.M.S. Alert, pp. 231, 539.

1887..de Man, (6. p. 15:

1899. -Aleock; te., p. 81.

1902. Borradaile, I. c., p. 201.

1927. Hale, 8. Ascterall: Crust., pt. 1, p. 151.

1934. Shen, Hong Kong Natural., Suppl., no 3, p. 54, figs. 17, 18.

1945. Stephensen, Dan. Sci. Ieee. Tran, pt. 4; p.. 126,-fge. 28,

A-G.

176 Annals of the South African Museum.

Carapace pilose, with a transverse ridge across the cardiac and

branchial regions additional to those found in the preceding species,

front with 2 broad lobes, each wider than the inner orbital tooth,

the front margin of which is convex; 5 antero-lateral teeth, the 4th

somewhat smaller, and the 5th distinctly larger than the others.

Lobe of basal joint of ant. 2 with a low smooth crest. Chelipeds

granulate, lower surface especially covered with transverse squamae,

hand also with squamae on all surfaces, 6—7-costate, with 5 spines,

one of which may be blunt. Hind margin of 6th joint of 5th leg

smooth.

Length 32 mm., breadth 54 mm.

Localities.—?% Inhambane (Hilgendorf); Mozambique (Miers).

Distribution.—Indo-Pacific to Australia and New Zealand.

Remarks.—According to Shen (I. c., fig. 18, 6) the abdomen of 3

has transverse pilose bands.

Thalamita admete (Herbst)

Wik 3355

1902. Borradaile, i. c., p. 202 (admeta).

1906. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Fish. Comm. for 1903, pt. 3, p. 874.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 309.

1915. Laurie, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxxi, p. 440.

1942. Ward, Mauritius Inst. Bull., u, p. 80.

Carapace pilose, about ? (or less) as long as broad, with the additional

transverse ridge as in soma, frontal lobes not much wider than the

inner orbital teeth, the anterior margin of which is straight (or nearly

so), 4th antero-lateral tooth much smaller than the others and often

rudimentary. Lobe of basal joint of ant. 2 with serrated crest

(4 smooth in juv.). Chelipeds unequal in adult 3, hand with 5 ridges

on upper and outer surfaces, the 3 costae on outer surface granulate,

6 spines above (the 2 distal ones cften small), other surfaces smooth or

faintly costate or granulate. Hind margin of 6th joint of 5th leg

denticulate. 6th abdominal segment $ not much broader than long,

sides slightly but gradually convergent.

Length up to 15 mm., breadth 24 mm. Reddish orange, more or

less mottled, finger and thumb of chela partly brown, tips whitish.

Localities.—Durban Bay (Krauss); Umtwalumi, Natal (coll.

Stephenson); Delagoa Bay (coll. van der Horst).

)

Distribution.—Mauritius, east coast of Africa, Indo-Pacific.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 177

Thalamita integra Dana

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 799.

1884. Miers, Crust., H.M.S. Alert, p. 540.

1899. Alcock, l..¢., p. 85-

1915. Laurie, J. Linn. Soc. Lond., xxxi, p. 441.

Differs from admete as follows; carapace not quite so broad, dis-

tinctly convex, glabrous, transverse ridges indistinct, especially the

hindmost one, crest of basal joint of ant 2 smooth and entire, chelipeds

more smooth and polished, less strongly spinose, 6th abdominal

segment $ much broader than long.

Localities.—Mozambique (Hilgendorf); Delagoa Bay (coll. van der

Horst).

Distribution.—Indo-Pacific.

Remarks.—The West African form, africana Miers, was originally

described as a variety of integra. For its distinguishing features see

Rathbun, 1921, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., xlii, p. 402.

Thalamita wood-mason Alc.

Fig. 33, d-f.

1899. Alcock, l. ¢., p. 90, and var. taprobanica, p. 91.

1900. Jd., Illustr. Zool. “Investigator,” pl. 48, figs 1, 1, a, and var.

taprobamea, figs. 2, 2, a.

1947. Barnard, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (xi), 13, p. 363.

Carapace rather sparsely setose, the setae arising from numerous

tiny transverse squamae which cover the whole upper surface (not

mentioned or figured by Alcock), transverse ridges well defined, the

cardiac-branchial one medianly interrupted in the typical form but

continuous in the variety (according to the figures); front arched, cut

into 4 teeth separated by clefts (not notches), the middle ones twice

as wide as outer ones, inner orbital tooth convex, antero-lateral teeth

moderately acute, the 4th very small and more or less concealed by the

lateral setae. Length of basal joint of ant. 2 equal to major diameter

of orbit, with a finely granulate low crest. Chelipeds slightly unequal

(3), sparsely pilose, front margin of 4th joint with 3 spines (the

proximal one rather small), upper and outer surfaces squamose-

granulate, wrist granulate and costate, with 3 spines on outer surface,

hand granulate on upper surface and on upper parts of inner and

outer surfaces, 5 spines and 2 granulate costae on upper surface, one

granulate costa in middle of inner surface, and 2 on lower outer surface,

VOL. XXXVIII. 12

178 Annals of the South African Museum.

both the latter continued on to thumb, finger subequal to upper edge

of hand in smaller chela, shorter in the larger chela. 5th leg, 4th joint

at least twice as long as broad, with spine on hind margin, 6th joint

spinulose on hind margin, dactyl ovate-lanceolate, rather rapidly

narrowed towards the sharp ungual point. Sternum and abdomen

glabrous, but pitted. 6th abdominal segment g nearly twice as

broad as long, sides parallel for 2 its length, then rapidly converging ©

(fig. 33, e), Ist pleopod 3 stout (fig. 33, f).

Length up to 12-5 mm., breadth 18 mm. Ovig.? 8x11 mm.

Locality.— _Delagoa Bay (coll. K. H. B.).

Distribution.—Andaman Is. and Palk Strait; the variety from

Ceylon.

Remarks.—A single g and an ovigerous 2 appear to belong to this

species, although no mention was made by Alcock of the surface

sculpture. The distinctly granulate chelipeds are like those of the

typical form (the variety has much smoother chelipeds), but the

cardiac-branchial ridge is continuous as figured for the variety.

Thalamita delagoae n. sp.

Fig. 33, h, 4.

g. Carapace setose, transverse ridges well defined, but both the

cardiac-branchial and the additional one behind it interrupted by the

cardiac-branchial grooves; front with 4 lobes, the outer ones much

smaller than the inner ones (smaller than in fig. 33, g); antero-lateral

teeth sharp, spiniform, the 4th one very small. Length of basal joint

of ant. 2 shghtly greater than orbit, with granulate crest. Cheliped

(left one only), front margin of 4th joint with 3 spines and some

denticles proximally, its upper outer surface finely granulate, wrist

granulate and setose, with 4 spines on upper and outer surfaces, hand

granulate and setose on upper, and upper outer surfaces only, 6 spines

on upper surface, 3 on inner edge, 3 (incl. the basal one) on outer edge,

3 granulate costae on outer surface, the lower 2 continued on to

thumb, finger subequal to upper edge of hand, grooved. 5th leg, 4th

joint twice as long as broad, with spine on hind margin, 6th joint

spinulose on hind margin, dactyl ovate-lanceolate. Sternum and

abdomen with transverse setose foveolae or grooves (fig. 33, h). 6th

segment of abdomen ¢ as broad as long, narrowing slightly distally.

Ist pleopod 3 very slender in distal half, with curved apex (fig. 33, 7).

Length 9 mm., breadth 15 mm.

Locality.—Delagoa Bay (coll. van der Horst, 1939. 1 3).

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 179

Remarks.—Judging from tracings and notes kindly supplied by Dr.

Gordon (Brit. Mus.), this specimen has a different front from invicta

Thallwitz, 1890/91; there is some similarity with de Man’s “‘invicta,”’

=demani Nobili, but the latter has only 4 antero-lateral teeth (not 5,

the 4th being minute). 7’. cooper: Borrad. 1902 also has only 4 antero-

lateral teeth, and a differently shaped Ist pleopod 3.

Thalamita wnhacae n. sp.

Hig: 33, g:

©. Carapace nearly glabrous, a few scattered setae, all transverse

ridges obsolete except the one on each branchial region running to the

last antero-lateral tooth; front cut into 4 lobes separated by small

notches, the quadrate middle ones twice as broad as the rounded outer

ones, front margin of inner orbital tooth nearly straight; only 4

antero-lateral teeth (incl. outer orbital tooth), acute, the 3rd small.

Length of basal joint of ant 2 equal to major diameter of orbit, lobe

with a smooth crest. Chelipeds glabrous, all joints smooth and

shagreened only, front margin of 4th joint with 3 spines (and some

denticles proximally), wrist with 3 adpressed spines (mere ridges

without free apices) on outer surface, hand with 5 blunt spines on

upper surface, a single smooth ridge on lower part of outer surface

continued on to thumb, finger grooved. 5th leg, 4th joint slightly

more than twice as long as broad, with spine on hind margin, hind

margin of 6th joint spinulose, dactyl ovate, with small ungual point.

Sternum and abdomen smooth but pitted.

Length 14 mm., breadth 21 mm. As preserved, pinkish with

minute red dots on carapace, legs pale with greyish transverse bands.

Locality.—Inhaca (Inyak) Island, Delagoa Bay (coll. van der Horst,

LOST dO}

Remarks.—This 2 specimen resembles hanseni Alck. 1899, and

pilumnoides Borrad., 1902 (I. ¢., p. 207, fig. 38), in having only 4

antero-lateral teeth, of which the 3rd is small. Alcock’s figures (1900,

pl. 47) of cnvestegatoris and amparimanus show bands across the legs.

But all these species differ in the shape and number of the frontal lobes.

Famity POTAMONIDAE.

Freshwater Crabs.

1897. Ortmann, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., x, p. 297.

1902. Id., Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., xli, pp. 267-400, esp. pp. 296-

306 (geograph, distribution).

180 Annals of the South African Museum.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 293.

1910. Alcock, Rec. Ind. Mus., v, p. 253.

1917. Bouvier, C.R. Ac. Sci., clxv, pp. 620, 753.

1921. Rathbun, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., xl, p. 404.

1929. Balss, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., lviii, pp. 339 sqq. (Hast Africa

and Madagascar).

1936. Id., Rev. Zool. Bot. Afr., xxvii, pp. 200-202 (relationship

to 8. American forms).

Carapace broader than long, or subcircular, antero-lateral margins

convex and not longer (often much shorter) than the convergent

postero-lateral margins, regions usually not well defined, branchial

regions inflated, front broad. Chelipeds in ¢ unequal, often very

much so, in 2 subequal. Abdomen with 7 segments in both sexes.

Male genital openings coxal.

Remarks.—Freshwater crabs distributed over the Old and New

Worlds and Australia, tropical and subtropical. For classic discussion

of their distribution see Ortmann (I. c., 1902). His conclusions,

however, have been criticized (Balss, 1936).

Only one genus or subgenus occurs in South Africa. The genus

Trichodactylus (Stebbing, 1910, l. c., p. 295) is South American.

A key to the subfamilies, and to the genera of Potamoninae, will

be found in Alcock (I. ¢., 1910).

Subfam. PoTAMONINAE.

See Alcock and Rathbun, I. ¢., supra.

Front exceeding 4 width of carapace. Mandibular palp 2- or

3-jointed, the terminal joint consisting of a single lobe, sometimes

thickened and setose at base, but never distinctly bilobed. Mxp. 3

with 4th joint broader than long. Ist antennae transverse. Efferent

branchial channels not produced to edge of front. Dactyls of walking

legs spinose. Old World forms.

Gen. Poramon Savigny

See Alcock and Rathbun, I. ¢., supra.

Subgen. Potamonautes McLeay

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 293.

1918. Calman, Ann. Mag, Nat. Hist. (9), i, p. 234.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 181

1921. Rathbun, /. c., pp. 405, 406.

1929. Gordon, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (10), i, p. 405.

1935. Barnard, Ann. Transv. Mus., xvi, p. 482.

1936. Balss, Rev. Zool. Bot. Afr., xxviii, pp. 165 sqgq. (Congo

species).

1942. Chace, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. Harv., xci, pp. 186 and 203

(list of African species).

This subgenus is wholly African. Post-frontal crest distinct and

continuous, or nearly so, across the epigastric region to the epigastric

angle or tooth, sometimes not actually reaching the latter. Front

entire. Antero-lateral margins with an epigastric tooth, or at least

an obtuse angle, usually granulate or denticulate, but sometimes

strongly dentate or spinose. Sometimes (but not in South African

species) a tooth between the epibranchial tooth and the outer orbital

tooth.

Remarks.—As Miss Rathbun points out (1921, l. c., p. 405), it is

almost impossible to frame any strict definitions of the subgenera.

And the same applies to the species. The more typical forms of

certain species may be defined up to a point; or, in other words, a

form from a more or less circumscribed locality or area may be found

to exhibit more or less constant features; e.g. the typical perlatus from

the S.W. Cape, typical sidney: from Natal, typical warrenc from the

Orange River system.*

Single specimens often cause difficulty in identification, and when

examples from intermediate localities are examined, transitional forms

are found. In fact, the more abundant the material and the more

numerous the localities, the greater the difficulties (cf. Barnard, 1935,

l. c., p. 482).

An intensive collecting and examination of material, the tracing of

morphological changes in the crab communities, either within a river

system or between neighbouring systems, would provide a most

interesting biological study, albeit one of considerable magnitude.

An examination of the lst pleopods of ¢ is essential (cf. Balss, 1936,

and Chace).

The following key is submitted in the hope that it may help in the

identification of Museum specimens.

* Cf. Pesta, 1946, Ark. Zool., xxxvii, 2, B, pp. 1-6. Potamon potamios is to be

regarded as a highly variable species exhibiting within its extensive area of dis-

tribution a tendency to the formation of aberrant individuals, which are, however,

not strictly isolated geographically, nor amenable to a hard and fast taxonomic

diagnosis.

182 Annals of the South African Museum.

Key to the South African Species.

J. Post-frontal crest continuous, sharply raised (fig. 34, a).

4th joint of larger cheliped with only the antero-

inferior granulate margin ending in a tooth or spine.

A. A more or less distinct groove on 3rd joint of mxp. 3.

1. 4th joint of 5th leg (adult) 2-24 (less than 3)

times as long as broad.

a. Epibranchial corner obtusely angular,

without projecting tooth or denticle

(fig. 34, a, 6).

i. Carapace not strongly inflated.

a. Epibranchial and frontal

regions smooth (fig. 34, a).

* No strong keel on terminal

portion of 1st pleopod

6 (fig. 35, c)

** A strong keel on terminal

portion of Ist pleopod

6 (fig. 35, e)

fp. Epibranchial region granulate-

corrugate, frontal region

granulate (fig. 34, b)

ii. Carapace strongly inflated, epi-

branchial corners bent down-

wards A ; ;

b. Epibranchial corner with a distinct, but

sometimes small, tooth (fig. 34, c, d, e).

i. Antero-lateral margin more or less

dentate or spinose, post-frontal

crest running straight into epi-

branchial tooth without sinus

(fig. 34, c) ‘ ; :

ii. Antero-lateral margin merely granu-

late or denticulate, post-frontal

crest with a distinct sinus just

internal to the _ epibranchial

tooth (fig. 34, d, e).

a. Carapace not strongly inflated.

Epibranchial tooth strong

(fig. 34, d).

* Lateral margin projecting

for a distance less

than width of orbit.

+ Antero-lateral mar-

gin strongly

denticulate

tt Antero-lateral mar-

gin finely granu-

late

perlatus.

sp. Beira.

sidneyt.

inflatus.

warreni,

dubius.

dubius jallae.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 183

** Lateral margin projecting

for a distance equal

to width of orbit . bayonianus.

f. Carapaceinflated. Epibranchial

tooth small (fig. 34, e) . obesus.

2. 4th joint of 5th leg 3-34 times as long as broad depressus.

B. No groove on 38rd joint of mxp. 3 bottegot.*

II. Post-frontal crest not sharply raised or projecting for pands

(fig. 34, 2), more or less discontinuous. No groove on

3rd joint of mxp. 3. 4th joint of larger cheliped with

both antero- and postero-inferior granulate margins

each ending in a tooth or spine : ; : . calcaratus.

Potamon (Potamonautes) perlatus (M. Edw.)

Cape River Crab.

Figs. 34, a, 35, a-c.

1838. McLeay, Annulosa 8. Afr., p. 64.

1843. Krauss, Siidafrik. Crust., p. 37, vars. b and e¢.

1897. Weber and de Meijere, Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., x, p. 156.

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 293.

1912. Lenz, Ark. Zool., vii, no. 29, p. 8 (compared with szdneyz).

1921. Rathbun, I. c., p. 417 (compared with Congo species).

1922. Balss, Beitr. Kenntn. Land. Siissw. 8.W.A., 11, p. 71.

1924. Colosi, Ark. Zool., xvi, no. 1, p. 2, fig. 1 (sternum, Ist plp. 3).

1929. Barnard, J. South West Afr. Sci. Soc., ili, p. 62.

1935. Id., l. c., p. 482, fig. 1, a-b, and chart.

1936. Balss, l. c., p. 184, fig. 21 (apex. Ist plp. 3) and chart, fig. 20.

[Not 1920. Colosi, Boll. Mus. Zool. Torino, xxxv, no. 734, p. 33.

-=odhneri Colosi 1924, Equatorial Africa.] ,

[Probably not: 1889. Pfeffer, Jahrb. Wiss. Anst. Hamburg, vi,

p. 33.

1912. Lenz, D. Zentralafr. Exp., ii, zool.i, p. 124.

Both records from Tanganyika.|

Carapace flattish, branchial regions gently convex, epibranchial

corner not strongly curving downwards; post-frontal crest well

developed, more or less sharp and overhanging, continuous to the

obtuse epibranchial angle, almost straight and very little inclined

backwards from median line (in adult), sometimes slightly concave

between middle line and epibranchial angle. Frontal and orbital

margin, post-frontal crest, and antero-lateral margin more or less

* Balss (1929, l. c., p. 348) regards this as a synonym of obesus.

184 Annals of the South African Museum.

beaded-granulate, feebly so in old examples, in which also the hinder

continuation of the antero-lateral margin on to the dorsal surface

becomes obsolete. Dorsal surface typically quite smooth (micro-

scopically granulate), sometimes with scattered, short and stiff

Fie. 34.—Potamon (Potamonautes) perlatus (M. Edw.). a, carapace, with profile

of front and post-frontal crest in longitudinal section. .

P. sidneyi Rathb. 6, carapace.

P. warreni Calman. c, carapace.

P. dubius jallae Nob. d, carapace.

P. obesus (M. Edw.). e, carapace.

P. bottegoi de Man. f, carapace, and g, chela (both after de Man).

P. calcaratus Gordon. h, carapace, with profile of front and post-frontal crest

in longitudinal section. 7, chela.

(The heavy line in a, b, c, d, e, and h represents the profile of the carapace

in transverse section.)

bristles in the middle on the carapace, pterygostomial region coarsely

but feebly granulate. Outer surfaces of 4th and 5th joints of chelipeds

coarsely and feebly squamulose-granulate; lower surface of 4th joint

with 2 rows of granules, but only the inner (anterior) row ends in a

larger tubercle or tooth; inner margin of wrist with 2 teeth, the

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 185

proximal one often small, blunt, or obsolete; finger of the larger chela

3g sometimes strongly curved (cf. Krauss’ figure of depressus). Middle

of the apical margin on inner (anterior) surface of 5th joint of 2nd

and 3rd legs with a denticle, sometimes indicated also on the 4th and

even the 5th leg. 4th joint of 5th leg 2-24 times as long as broad

(adult). A shallow longitudinal groove on 3rd joint of mxp. 3.

Sternum between bases of 3rd maxillipeds ending in a blunt or sharp

point (contrary to Colosi’s statement and figure, 1924); 2 transverse

grooves, the hinder one shallower and often indistinct medianly.

Apical piece of Ist pleopod $ with a low ridge on the external (ventral)

side (fig. 35, ¢).

Length up to 70 mm., breadth 100 mm. Light or dark brown,

often with reddish or greenish tinge, chelipeds often violaceous,

especially in large specimens.

Localities.—See Stebbing, 1910, and Barnard, 1935. In general the

species occurs on the Cape Peninsula and Cape Flats, and northwards

to Clanwilliam and Calvinia, and eastwards along the coastal belt to

Natal, with extensions inland; and there are isolated records from

the Orange Free State, Transvaal, Bechuanaland, and South West

Africa. The gaps (see chart) will probably be filled in by later

collecting. The (apparent) absence of Crabs from Ovamboland may

be due to Bull-frogs (see Barnard, 1929, Journ. S.W.A. Sci. Soc., iii,

p- 62. Windhoek, 8.W.A.).

Records from Equatorial Africa, Zanzibar, Tanganyika, Angola are

open to doubt (specimens recorded by Colosi in 1920 as perlatus were

later described by him as odhnert 1924; and see Balss, 1929, I. c.,

pp. 347, 348, for other erroneous identifications; also Balss, 1936, for

remarks on the perlatus-johnstoni group).

While I accept without reserve Balss’ (1936) identification of Upper

Congo specimens as perlatus, on morphological grounds, I am hesitant

about accepting the implication that the Cape and Congo communities

are phylogenetically conspecific.

The typical form is characteristic of the south west Cape, where it

shows only very slight variation, and where no other forms occur.

Towards Natal and the North and North-east, however, transitional

forms occur linking up with sedney: and warren, and making sharp

definitions of the species utterly impossible (cf. Barnard, 1935).

Distribution.—Upper Congo (Balss, 1936). ,

Remarks.—In small mountain streams breeding females only

25 mm. in width may be found. A 9,50 mm. wide, from the Cape

Flats had about 300 embryos nearly ready to hatch (December); a

186 Annals of the South African Museum.

Natal specimen (species?), 50 mm. wide, was stated to have been

carrying 486 juveniles (A. C. Harrison, Inland Fisheries Adviser), and

a 2 67 mm. wide (Pinetown, Natal, transition perlatus—sidneyi) had

435 juveniles.

Fic. 35.—Potamon (Potamonautes) perlatus (M. Edw.). a, embryo within

egg-membrane, 3 mm. diameter. 6, juvenile from beneath abdomen of mother,

3x33 mm. c, Ist pleopod g.

P. calcaratus Gordon. d, lst pleopod g.

P. sp. from Beira. e, lst pleopod 3 ventral view, with apex in median view.

(Cf. Balss, 1936, fig. 17, johnstoni.)

P. sp. from Tanganyika. f, g, Ist pleopod 3 apex in ventral and median views.

(Cf. Balss, 1936, fig. 18, orbitospinus.)

(s=groove of seminal canal.)

The embryos of the Cape Flats specimen, still folded up within the

egg-membrane, measure 3 mm. across the carapace. The carapace of

the Pinetown juveniles is 3 mm. in length and 3-3-mm. in breadth. In

the embryo the front is narrow and rostriform (fig. 35, a). In the

juvenile (fig. 35, b) the front is about 2 width of carapace, which is

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 187

greatest between the outer orbital angles; epibranchial tooth indicated

by a minute notch; post-frontal crest developed only near the middle

line, but indicated laterally; margins and dorsal surface with scattered

setules. The 4th joint of 5th leg is 4 times as long as broad.

The smallest free-living juvenile I have seen measures 3-5 x4 mm.

(Potteberg, Bredasdorp Distr., May 1936, A. C. Harrison). The front

is about § the width of carapace, and still retains a rather conspicuous

median groove; post-frontal crest distinct, nearly straight, and sloping

backwards from the middle line to a minute epibranchial denticle;

carapace widest anteriorly between outer orbital angles and the

epibranchial denticles, the antero-lateral margins being straight. The

4th joint of 5th leg is 34 times as long as broad.

At a later stage, 5x 6-5 mm., the carapace has assumed the adult

shape, 7.e. it is widest behind the level of the epibranchial angles, and

the antero-lateral margins are convex, The 4th joint of 5th leg is

3 times as long as broad. The frontal, orbital, and antero-lateral

margins are finely beaded.

The largest specimens actually seen by me are from Hast London.

Potamon (Potamonautes) sidneyr Rathbun

Natal River Crab.

Fig. 34, 0.

1843. Krauss, Siidafrik. Crust., p. 37 (perlata var. a).

1910. Stebbing, I. c., p. 295.

£912. Lenz, lc, -p: 7.

1922. Balss, t. ¢., p. 71.

1935. Barnard, I. c., p. 483, fig. 1, c, and chart (as form of perlatus).

The typical form is easily distinguished from typical perlatus by

the stronger granulation of the frontal, orbital, and antero-lateral

margins and post-frontal crest, the strongly granular frontal area,

the granulate-corrugate epibranchial regions and outer surfaces of 4th

and 5th joints of chelipeds. The pterygostomial regions and the

margins of the walking legs are also more strongly granulate, the

latter (especially the upper margins of the 4th joints) being some-

times distinctly spinulose.

There is, however, a complete transition between the perlatus and

sidneyr forms (cf. Barnard, 1935). Whereas the typical smooth

perlatus occurs as far eastwards as Natal, the typical rough sidneyi

188 Annals of the South African Museum.

has not yet been noted farther west than Kaffirkuils River, Still Bay:

sidneyt is the form characteristic of Natal, and perlatus the form

characteristic of the S8.W. Cape.

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Approximate distribution, as far as at present known, of some of

the distinctive species of Freshwater Crabs, Potamon (Potamonautes),

in South Africa.

P. perlatus =, passing eastwards into the sidney: form.

P. warrem |\\|, where the vertical and horizontal lines cross

transitional forms are found. .

P. dubius ©. P. dubius jallae ©. P. bayonianus I. P. obesus-

bottegoi |_|. P. calcaratus A.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 189

Length up to 40 mm., breadth 55 mm.

Localities.—See Barnard, 1935. Specimens from the northern part

of the Cape Province (Calvinia, Victoria West, Griquatown, Postmas-

burg) tend towards the rough sedneys form; I have seen specimens

with slight indications of the epibranchial corrugations but without

the frontal granulations from Sevenweeks Poort (Ladismith, Cape)

and Zoetendals Vlei (Bredasdorp), and also nearly typical sidneyi

from Kaffirkuils River, Still Bay (Transvaal Mus.). Extends north-

eastwards to Lake Sibayi in Zululand (Lenz), Bulawayo (Balss), and

possibly Umtali (Barnard); I have seen a specimen from Chinteche,

Nyasaland (Transvaal Mus.).

Remarks.—Krauss regarded his var. a as being the true perlatus

of Milne Edwards.

Potamon (Potamonautes) warrent Calman

Transvaal River Crab.

Fig. 34, c.

1894. Lenz, Ber. Senckenb. Ges., p. 97 (miloteca, non M. Edw.).

1918. Calman, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (9), 1, p. 234, fig.

1922. Balss, Beitr. Kennt. Land. Stissw. 8.W.A., u1, p. 71 (dubsus,

non Br. Cap.).

1924. Colosi, Ark. Zool., xvi, no. 1, p. 9, fig. 6, and pl. 1, figs. 1, 1, a.

1935. Barnard, l. c., pp. 483, 484, fig. 1, d~), and chart.

1936. Balss, J. c., p. 179.

Carapace flattish, branchial regions gently convex, post-frontal

crest well developed, straight or very slightly concave or sinuous, and

sloping gently backwards from middle line to the epibranchial tooth;

antero-lateral margin typically with 5-10 teeth, better developed in

large than in small examples, often reduced to denticles which decrease

in size and pass gradually into granules posteriorly. Otherwise as in

perlatus. Ist pleopod ¢ as in perlatus (fig. 35, c).

Length up to 56 mm., breadth 78 mm.

Localitues.—See Barnard, 1935. Typical large examples from

Potchefstroom (Calman), Kroonstad and Glen (S. Afr. Mus.), Barkly

West (Kimberley Mus.); Zak River, Williston (S. Afr. Mus.). The

specimen from van Wyk’s Vlei (Lenz, 1894, as nilotecus) is probably

warren. Balss (1936) confirms my suggestion (1935) that the Seeheim

(Gt. Fish River, 8.W.A.) specimens formerly identified by him as

190 Annals of the South African Museum.

dubius should more correctly be assigned to warrem. All these

localities are in the Orange River system.

Colosi described specimens collected by Wahlberg at “‘ Port Natal”;

as I have not yet seen any specimen approaching warrem from any-

where in Natal, and as Wahlberg travelled to the Transvaal, it is

reasonable to assume that his specimens were collected farther north

than Durban.* .

Potamon (Potamonautes) depressus (Krauss)

1843. Krauss, I. c., p. 38, pl. 2, fig, 4, a-c (Thelphusa d.).

1910. Stebbing, lJ. c., p. 294.

1912. Genz,+l¢.,, p. 7:

1935. Barnard, l. c., p. 484.

Resembling perlatus but legs more slender; 4th joint of 5th leg

3-34 times as long as broad.

Length about 26 mm., breadth 36 mm.

Localitves.—Near Pietermaritzburg (Krauss); Beenen [szc = Weenen]

(Lenz); Tugela Gorge, below Mont-aux-Sources (Barnard).

Remarks.—Although the very strongly curved finger of the larger

cheliped g renders this form distinct from the great majority of

specimens of perlatus, it must be noted that this character is not

specific (cf. Barnard, 1935, p. 483), and there is no other character

distinguishing depressus from perlatus except the more slender legs.

As shown above, the legs of very young perlatus are more slender

than those of the adult, and consequently I am inclined to regard

depressus as merely a local or perhaps casual variation of perlatus.

Sometimes the epibranchial corner is very well rounded, and if the

carapace is at all inflated in that region, a transition is formed to

unflatus.

Potamon (Potamonautes) inflatus (M. Edw.)

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 294.

1935. Barnard, l. c., p. 484.

Distinguished by the strongly inflated carapace, which causes the

epibranchial corner to appear as if bent downwards. Possibly only a

casual variation of perlatus.

Localities.—Durban (Milne Edwards); Belfast, Haenertsburg,

Marieskop (Barnard).

* See Barnard, 1929, Ann. 8. Afr. Mus., xxix, p. 214. Note on locality given by

Loven for some of Wahlberg’s specimens.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 191

Potamon (Potamonautes) dubius (Br. Cap.)

1873. Brito Capello, J. Sci. Lisbon, iv, p. 254, pl. 1, figs. 1, a, 2, a

(quoted from de Man).

1905. Rathbun, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Paris, vu, p. 179.

[Not 1922. Balss, I. c., p. T1=warrent. See Balss, 1936.]

Post-frontal crest sloping slightly backwards from middle line,

with a distinct sinus immediately internal to the rather strong epi-

branchial tooth; epibranchial region moderately but not strongly

convex.

Locality —Kunene River, Angola (Brito Capello).

Potamon (Potamonautes) dubsus jallae Nob.

Zambesi River Crab.

Fig. 34, d.

1896. Nobili, Boll. Mus. Zool. Torino, xi, no. 262, pp. 1, 2.

1898. de Man, Ann. Mus. Civ. Genova, ser. 2, xix (xxxix), p. 268

(compared with bottegor).

1905. Rathbun, l. ¢., p. 179, pl. 15, fig. 6.

¢ 1922. Balss, l. c., p. 72.

1935. Barnard, l. c., p. 486, fig. 1, &, 1, and chart.

1936. Balss, l. c., p. 177, figs. 14, 15, and chart.

Margins less strongly granulate than in the typical form. Balss’

fig. 14 (1936) shows a specimen from the Victoria Falls with much more

strongly beaded antero-lateral margins than in my specimens from

the same locality.

Localities—Kazungula on Zambesi River (Nobili); Victoria Falls,

Chobe River, and Makarikari Pan (Barnard).

Distribution.— Upper Congo system (see chart in Balss, 1936).

Remarks.—In 1935 I doubted whether Balss’ specimen from

Howick Natal, was correctly assigned, but Balss, 1936, maintains

his identification.

Potamon (Potamonautes) bayonianus (Br. Cap.)

1864. Brito Capello [not seen by me].

1905. Rathbun, I. c., p. 178, pl. 15, fig. 1.

1922. Balss, l. ¢., p. 72.

192 Annals of the South African Museum.

Differs from dubius and obesus by having the antero-lateral margin

projecting laterally for a distance equal to the width of orbit (in the

two species mentioned this distance 1s less than width of orbit).

Locality Okawango River, South West Africa (Balss).

Distribution.— Kwanza River system, and Benguella district,

Angola (Brito Capello).

Potamon (Potamonautes) obesus (M. Edw.)

Fig. 34, e.

1868. Milne Edwards, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Paris, iv, p. 86, pl. 20,

figs. 1—4.

1878. Hilgendorf, MB. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, p. 801.

1898. Id., Deutsch Ostafr. iv, Crust. Decap., p. 16.

1905. Rathbun, I. c.

1929. Balss. Zool. Jahrb. Abt. Syst., lviu, p. 348.

1935. Barnard, l. c., p. 484.

1942. Chace, 1. c., p. 190.

Post-frontal crest sloping slightly backwards from middle line,

with a small sinus internal to the small epibranchial tooth; epi-

branchial region strongly convex, the epibranchial corner sloping

downwards.

Localities.—Quilimane (Hilgendorf); Salisbury, Rhodesia (Barnard).

Distribution.— Zanzibar (M. Edwards); Tanganyika; Nyasaland

(Balss).

Potamon (Potamonautes) bottego. de Man

Fig. 34, f, g.

1898. de Man, Ann. Mus. Civ. Genova, ser. 2, xix (xxxix), p. 262,

pl. 3.

1929. Gordon, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (10), ii, p. 410, fig. 5, b (1st

plp. 3).

1933. Rathbun, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. Harv., xxv, p. 258.

Post-frontal crest continuous, nearly straight, curving abruptly

backwards just internal to the small epibranchial tooth; frontal

margin not emarginate medianly.* No groove on 3rd joint of mxp. 3.

In the larger chela basal width of thumb (at beginning of teeth) more

than twice (24) in greatest width of hand; lower margin with indica-

tion of slight concavity between thumb and hand; 4th joint of larger

* This feature may perhaps vary according to the angle from which it is viewed.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 193

cheliped with only the antero-inferior granulate margin ending in a

spine or tooth. 5th joint of 2nd and 3rd legs with at most a small

blunt tubercle in middle of distal anterior margin. EHpibranchial

regions rugulose-granulose (but not strongly so).

Locality.—Lower Zambesi valley, Portuguese East Africa (Gordon).

Distribution.—Italian Somaliland and Tanganyika.

Remarks.—Regarded by Balss (1929, J. c., p. 348) as a synonym of

obesus.

Potamon (Potamonautes) calcaratus Gordon

Figs. 34, h, 7, 35, d.

1929. Gordon, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (10), i, p. 405, figs. 1-4, 5, a.

Very similar to bottegoi, but post-frontal crest less sharp and con-

spicuous, and more or less interrupted; frontal margin medianly

emarginate; * basal width of thumb of larger chela half (in Gordon’s

figure slightly exceeding half) the greatest width of hand, lower margin

of hand and thumb convex throughout (or at least not concave),

finger and thumb compressed, upper margin of finger and lower

margin of thumb being narrowly rounded or almost sharp-edged;

4th joint of larger cheliped with both the antero- and the postero-

inferior granulated margins ending in a spine or tooth; 5th joint of

2nd and 3rd legs with a distinct spine in middle of distal anterior

margin; epibranchial regions quite smooth.

Length up to 28 mm., breadth 40 mm.

Localities—Lower Zambesi valley, Portuguese Hast Africa, and

Chirinda Forest, 8. Rhodesia (Gordon); Wanetsi River, north of

Lourenzo Marques, P.H.A. (S. Afr. Mus.); Pafuri River (Limpopo

system), near Punda Maria, N.E. Transvaal (Transvaal Mus.).

Remarks.—This species is apparently closely allied to bottegov,

though distinguished by certain characters. The value of these

characters, and the specific distinctness of the two forms, is rendered

somewhat doubtful by the fact that both are found in approximately

the same locality. Further investigation on the spot would be

desirable.

On Miss Rathbun’s 1921 definitions of the subgenera Potamonautes

and Potamon this species should really belong to the latter, but as the

authoress herself remarks, there are so many intergrading forms that

strict definitions of subgenera are impossible. As Dr. Gordon placed

her species in Potamonautes, it is left there.

* This feature may perhaps vary according to the angle from which it is viewed.

VOL. XXXVIII. 3

194 Annals of the South African Museum.

Potamon (Potamonautes), cf. johnstoni (Miers)

Cf. 1929. Balss, 1. ¢., p. 343, and 1936, l. ¢., p. 180, fig. 17s

pip. 3).

1942. Chace, l. c., pp. 190 and 214.

Three $$ from Beira (23, 28, and 50 mm. in breadth), as regards

the ordinary external features, are typical perlatus, and illustrate

how in former years perlatus came to be recorded from Tanganyika

and other Kast African localities. The terminal piece of the Ist

pleopod 3g, however, is quite different from that of perlatus; it bears a

sharp convex keel, on the external (ventral) surface of which is a less

conspicuous ridge; the seminal groove, in which the 2nd pleopod les

runs behind (dorsal) to the sharp keel (fig. 35, e). In this respect these

Beira specimens differ also from two specimens from Kilimanjaro and

Tanganyika (no detailed locality for the latter), which externally

resemble perlatus just as closely; here there are two sharp and even

more prominent keels, between which the seminal groove runs (fig. 35,

f, 9):

Balss (1929, p. 344) said of a specimen of johnstona from Lindi

(Tanganyika) that, if it had had no locality label, he would un-

hesitatingly have identified it as perlatus!

Famity ATELECYCLIDAK.

1899. Alcock, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixviu, pp. 4, 5, 95, 96 (subfam.

of Cancridae).

1907. Borradaile, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), xix, pp. 481, 484.

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 310 (Caneridae).

1930. Rathbun, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., no. 152, p. 148.

Carapace subcircular or suboval, never very broad, regions some-

times defined, sometimes not; front entire or dentate. Ist antennae

folding longitudinally; flagellum of 2nd antennae setose (when well

developed), sometimes rudimentary, or absent.

Remarks.—Stebbing evidently preferred to follow Alcock’s arrange-

ment in which the Atelecyclinae were regarded merely as a subfamily

of the Cancridae. It must be admitted that the reasons for separating

them as independent families are rather unimportant. The Cancridae

have a broad, transversely oval carapace, and a short glabrous

flagellum on the 2nd antenna. The family includes Cancer pagurus

the edible Great Crab of Europe.

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 195

Key to the South African Genera.

Flagellum of ant. 2 present in both genera.

1. Regions not defined. Front bilobed. Peduncle of

ant. 2 not visible in dorsal view, flagellum short . Kraussia.

2. Regions fairly well defined. Front tridentate. Peduncle

of ant. 2 visible in dorsal view, flagellum long . Atelecyclus.

Gen. KRraAussiA Dana

1902. Rathbun, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. Harv., xxxix, p. 132.

1907. Stimpson (ed. Rathbun), Smiths. Misc. Coll., xlix, p. 87.

1910. Stebbing, J. c., p. 310.

1938. Balss, Medd. Goteb. Mus., Ixxv, p. 26 (key to species).

Carapace subcircular, but antero-lateral margins much longer than

the strongly convergent postero-lateral margins, regions not defined,

front (between inner orbital teeth) prominent, broadly bilobed, each

lobe may be divided into two lobules. Basal joint of ant. 2 fixed,

only the 3rd peduncular joint and the short flagellum visible in dorsal

view. Chelipeds short, massive, finger and thumb stumpy, apices

blunt, Legs stout, dactyls cultrate. Sternum and abdomen narrow,

the latter with 5 segments in g, and first 2 segments visible in dorsal

view in both sexes. Genital openings in ¢ coxal.

Remarks.—The dactyls of the legs are reminiscent of those of

Matuta, Ramna, and Nautilocorystes.

Kraussia rugulosa (Krauss)

Fig. 36, a-c.

1843. Krauss, Stidafr. Crust., p. 26, pl. 1, fig. 5, a-d (Platyonichus r.).

1887. de Man, Arch. Naturg., lili, p. 343, pl. 14, fig. 2.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 310.

1935. Ward, Bull. Raffles Mus., no. 9, p. 10, pl. 1, fig. 7 (pro-

porcellana).

1938. Balss, [. c., p. 27, fig. 10 (cheliped).

Carapace shiny, setose only around margins, with numerous trans-

verse lines of minute granules, in places close enough together to give

a squamose appearance; front bilobed, each lobe truncate, finely

denticulate; upper orbital margin with one fissure in middle and

another near outer orbital tooth; antero-lateral margin serrate, 4 of

the serrae being larger than the others. A small tubercle on anterior

border of eye-stalk near the cornea. Cheliped, upper margin of 4th

joint denticulate, with long setae, wrist with 2 denticles on inner

196 Annals of the South African Museum.

apex and granules on upper distal portion, outer surface of hand with

lines of fine granules and a few scattered larger granules, finger with

grooves and serrulate ridges above, finger and thumb gaping in both

sexes, their apices spooned. Legs setose, dactyls cultrate, the outer

(anterior) margin thickened and flattened only at base in 2nd—4th

legs, but along whole margin in 5th leg. Ist pleopod ¢ very slender,

Uy: ie cattle x

adi et ap, Ae

\f (PR? 5

Z|

Fic. 36.—Kraussia rugulosa (Krauss). a, carapace, with lst and 2nd abdominal

segments, and left 5th leg. 6, outer surface of dactyl of left 5th leg. c, 1st pleopod

3 with apex further enlarged.

Atelecyclus septemdentatus (Mont.). d, carapace. e, lst pleopod J.

2nd pleopod very short, only just entering groove at base of Ist

pleopod. Abdomen of 2 not nearly covering the numerous eggs; in

both sexes two tufts of setae on the 2nd segment.

Length g 13 mm., ovig. 9 11 mm.; breadth ¢ 15 mm., 2 12 mm.

Greyish.

Localities.—Durban (Krauss); Durban and Scottburgh, Natal

(S. Afr. Mus.); mouth of Umgazana River, 10 miles south of Port

St. Johns (S. Afr. Mus.).

Distribution.—East coast of Africa, Indo-Pacific to Hawaiian Is.

Gen. ATELECYCLUS Leach

1910. Stebbing, l. ¢., p. 310.

1933. Monod, Bull. Et. Sci. Afr. occid. Brenem xv, p. 45 (with

fig. 11, A, B).

Descriptive Catalogue of South African Decapod Crustacea. 197

Carapace subcircular, postero-lateral margins shorter than the

antero-lateral margins, and strongly convergent, regions fairly well

defined, front tridentate. Basal joint of ant. 2 fixed, its denticulate

distal margin and the 2 following peduncular joints and the long

flagellum visible in dorsal view. Chelipeds short, finger and thumb

rather short, apices acute. Legs short, dactyls strong. Sternum

and abdomen narrow, the latter with 5 segments in 4, and first 2

segments visible dorsally in both sexes. Genital openings in 3 coxal.

Atelecyclus septemdentatus (Mont.)

Hig. 36, d,. e:

1853. Bell, Hist. Brit. Stalk-eyed Crust., p. 153, fig. (heterodon).

1904. Doflein, D. Tiefsee Exp., vi, p. 90.

1910. Stebbing, l. c., p. 310.

Carapace granulate, granules in places aggregated in twos and

threes or small groups, with scattered setae, and thickly setose around

margins; front tridentate, the median tooth usually larger than the

others; upper orbital margin with 2 fissures, the lobe between them

somewhat dentiform; antero-lateral margin with 10 teeth (incl. outer

orbital tooth), alternatively larger and smaller, but the 4 hindmost

ones subequal, or gradually decreasing backwards; the whole margin

(incl. front) finely denticulate-granulate, the postero-lateral margin

ending on the dorsal surface and not continuous with the hind margin.

Sometimes an indication of a granule on anterior margin of eye-stalk.

Cheliped setose, wrist with a tooth on inner margin, 2 knobs on upper

surface, and granulate on outer surface, hand with 4 lines of granules

on outer surface, lower and upper surfaces granulate, the latter also

with 2-5 larger conical tubercles, finger granulate on upper surface.

Legs more or less granulate on upper surfaces, setose, the setae on

outer surfaces of 6th joint and dactyls short, close, bristly. Ist

pleopod ¢$ stout, straight, tapering evenly; 2nd pleopod subequal

in length to Ist.

Length up to ¢ 28 mm., breadth 29 mm., 2 smaller. Pinkish or

reddish, with red spots, chelipeds red, finger and thumb blackish.

Localities —False Bay (Stebbing); False Bay, Mossel Bay, Algoa

Bay, 19-55 fathoms (8. Afr. Mus. 5 33).

Distribution.—North Atlantic south to Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean.

Remarks.—As Stebbing remarked, the finding of this species in

South African waters greatly extended its known southward range.