New host record of pea crab Arcotheres purpureus (Alcock, 1900) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pinnotheridae) with first description of male

Biswaprajna Mohanty,Aswini Nayak,Akkur V Raman,Malay Kanti Dev Roy,Bhagyashree Dash,Lipika Patnaik,Dipti Raut,Sonali Sanghamitra Rout

doi:10.1186/s41200-018-0137-2

Biswaprajna Mohanty, Aswini Nayak + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41200-018-0137-2

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Abstract

BackgroundArcotheres purpureus, a species of pea crab has been reported from the Red Sea, Maldives and Andaman Sea with no description of the male. According to existing literature the single host for this species is Ostrea.MethodsThe specimens examined were obtained from the dredge hauls.ResultsIn the present study we report Arcotheres purpureus for the first time from the coastal waters of mainland India. The specimens have been observed within the mantle cavity of a venerid bivalve Protapes gallus a new host record for this species. A description of the male specimen is also communicated herein for the first time.ConclusionsBivalve fisheries is an alternative livelihood option for the fishermen of this region. In this context the manifestation of Arcotheres purpureus, from a commercially viable species of bivalve such as Protapes gallus as well as its incidence in waters of mainland, India is a cause for concern necessitating further investigations.

Highlights

Arcotheres purpureus, a species of pea crab has been reported from the Red Sea, Maldives and Andaman Sea with no description of the male
Third maxilliped (MXP3) hairy with fine elongated pubescence on inner margin, dactylus joined with propodus along ventral margin (Fig. 3b)
Pea crabs are known to filter fine organic particles from the water and feed on the mucus produced by host gills as well as food particles accumulated in mucus (Kruczynski, 1975)

Summary

Introduction

Arcotheres purpureus, a species of pea crab has been reported from the Red Sea, Maldives and Andaman Sea with no description of the male. Conclusions: Bivalve fisheries is an alternative livelihood option for the fishermen of this region In this context the manifestation of Arcotheres purpureus, from a commercially viable species of bivalve such as Protapes gallus as well as its incidence in waters of mainland, India is a cause for concern necessitating further investigations. A compilation of Pinnotheroidea species with their hosts and sex (Theil et al, 2016) updated (Ng et al, 2008) indicates the occurrence of only the female specimen of Arcotheres purpureus from species of Ostrea in the Red sea, Gulf of Aden, Andaman and Maldive Islands (Schmitt et al, 1973). Thereafter, there have been no reports of the mentioned species

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Discussion

Conclusion