Snapping shrimps of the genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798 from Brazil (Caridea: Alpheidae): updated checklist and key for identification

Guidomar Oliveira Soledade,Alexandre Oliveira Almeida

doi:10.1590/s0104-64972013000100010

Guidomar Oliveira Soledade, Alexandre Oliveira Almeida

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0104-64972013000100010

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Journal: Nauplius	Publication Date: Jun 1, 2013
Citations: 28	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz

Abstract

We provide an updated checklist of the snapping shrimps of the genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798 (Crustacea: Alpheidae) from the Brazilian coast, as well as a key for their identification. The checklist was based on an exhaustive analysis of the literature published up to now, supported by analysis of material of 24 of the 33 species presently recorded from Brazil. Illustrations of the main diagnostic characters are provided to facilitate the identification process, as well as color photographs of 16 species collected by the authors, to facilitate the identification of fresh specimens. For each species, we provide information on the distribution and a list of previous records for the Brazilian coast. Comments on dubious records or taxonomic remarks are provided when appropriate. Finally, the zoogeography of the species is briefly discussed.

Highlights

Snapping shrimps of the genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798 live from the intertidal zone to great depths, occurring especially in coastal tropical and subtropical ecosystems such as estuaries, mangroves and coral reefs (Chace, 1988; Anker et al, 2006)
Of the 33 species of Alpheus recorded from Brazil, 31 occur in shallower waters and two at depths over 100 m (A. pouang from 120 to 268 m and A. puapeba from 45 to 175 m; see Christoffersen, 1979)
The former group comprises tropical species ranging, in the western Atlantic, mostly from North Carolina, Florida or the West Indies to southern Brazil; whereas the latter group includes subtropical species ranging from southeastern Brazil to Uruguay (A. pouang) or Argentina (A. puapeba)

Summary

Introduction

Snapping shrimps of the genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798 live from the intertidal zone to great depths, occurring especially in coastal tropical and subtropical ecosystems such as estuaries, mangroves and coral reefs (Chace, 1988; Anker et al, 2006). These shrimp inhabit a wide variety of microhabitats, from soft to hard bottoms (Chace, 1988; Anker et al, 2006). Many species exhibit social monogamy, which consists in forming stable heterosexual pairs (Mathews, 2002; Rahman et al, 2003)

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