Diversity and distribution of Chirostyloidea and Galatheoidea (Decapoda, Anomura) in the Southern Gulf of Mexico.

Ana Rosa Vazquez-Bader,Adolfo Gracia

doi:10.3897/zookeys.612.9492

Abstract

We examined the diversity, abundance, distribution, and average size of squat lobsters collected during eight cruises conducted on the continental shelf and slope of the Gulf of Mexico (Mexican/USA border to the Caribbean Sea). Six species belonging to two genera of Chirostyloidea, and 25 species of four genera of Galatheoidea are reported. A total of 1513 specimens were obtained of which 95 were Chirostylidae, two Galatheidae, 285 Munidopsidae, and 1131 Munididae. Of the species collected, 13.8% were only known from Caribbean Sea. Three species of Chirostylidae—Gastroptychus salvadori, Uroptychus capillatus, and Uroptychus spiniger—as well two of Munidopsidae, Munidopsis bradleyi and Munidopsis riveroi, are recorded for the first time in the Gulf of Mexico. The upper bathymetric range of one species and the lower one for eight species are extended. Biological and ecological traits of squat lobsters in the southern Gulf of Mexico are also provided.

Highlights

Squat lobsters (Chirostyloidea and Galatheoidea) are abundant, speciose, and distributed worldwide
We provide data about specific composition, depth and geographic distribution, as well as basic biology and ecology traits of squat lobsters in the southern Gulf of Mexico
Among the chryrostiloids examined we found approximately 31 individuals belonging to Gastroptychus that could not be clearly assigned any of described species of this genus

Summary

Introduction

Squat lobsters (Chirostyloidea and Galatheoidea) are abundant, speciose, and distributed worldwide Recent molecular and phylogenetic studies of the Anomura have proposed significant changes in the phylogenetic relationships of squat lobsters These recent studies indicate that the Chirostyloidea Ortmann, 1892, include the following families: Chirostylidae Ortmann, 1892, Eumunididae A. The Chirostylidae currently includes seven genera and over 200 species worldwide (Baba 2009; Baba and Lin 2008; Baba et al 2008; Ahyong et al 2009, Schnabel and Ahyong 2010), whereas the Galatheidae includes 11 genera and 95 species; the Munididae 20 genera and 395 species; and the Munidopsidae four genera and 250 species (Ahyong et al 2011)

Methods

Results

Conclusion