Erythrosquilla Megalops, a Remarkable New Stomatopod from the Western Indian Ocean

Abstract

Erythrosquilla megalops, known from one specimen taken on the outer shelf off Somalia in depths of 75 to 175 meters, is assigned to a new family in the Superfamily Lysiosquilloidea. It is the only lysiosquilloid with a distinct median carina on the telson. Among the stomatopods taken by the R/V Anton Bruun during the International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE) is one specimen which represents a new family, genus, and species. It is characterized below. The holotype has been deposited in the National Museum of Natural History, Washington (USNM). Measurements and indices are defined in Manning (1969). Erythrosquillidae, new family Definition. -Size large, total length more than 100 mm. Body loosely articulated, depressed. Rostral plate triangular, unarmed. Ischiomeral articulation of claw terminal. Dactylus of claw not inflated basally, with teeth on opposable margin. Propodi of third and fourth maxillipeds broad, beaded ventrally. Endopods of walking legs slender. Telson with distinct median carina and 2 intermediate marginal denticles. Submedian teeth oftelson with movable apices. Uropodal endopod lacking proximal fold on outer margin. Includes only the following genus: