The Tasmanian Lake Shrimps, Paranaspides Smith, 1908 (Crustacea, Syncarida, Anaspidesidae)

Abstract

The Tasmanian Lake Shrimps of the genus Paranaspides Smith, 1908 (Syncarida: Anaspidesidae) are endemic to lakes on the eastern Central Plateau, Tasmania, namely Great Lake, Shannon Lagoon, Penstock Lagoon, Arthurs Lake and Woods Lake. Prior to the present study, only the type species, P. lacustris Smith, 1908, was recognized. Reconsideration of Paranaspides from throughout its range, however, showed that Paranaspides from Arthurs Lake and Woods Lakes are referrable to a new species, P. williamsi sp. nov. Morphometric differences in the uropodal exopod and maxilliped, and subtle differences in the morphology of the male pleopods 1 and 2, and colour-in-life distinguish the two species. Genetic divergence (p-distance) between the two species exceeds 10% in mitochondrial COI and 3% in 16S. Both species are described and illustrated, and a lectotype fixed for P. lacustris. Although P. lacustris and P. williamsi occur in relatively close proximity, they occupy different drainages. The Great Lake-Shannon Lagoon-Penstock Lagoon system drains to the southeast, and the Arthurs Lake-Woods Lake system to the northeast. The distributions of P. lacustris and P. williamsi precisely parallel those of a cognate pair of galaxiid fishes, Paragalaxias eleotroides and Paragalaxias mesotes. Given the geological history of the Central Plateau and molecular divergence estimates for Paragalaxias, Paranaspides may also have diverged prior to the Pleistocene glaciations. Species of Paranaspides are dependent on their shallow water algal bed habitat, making them highly susceptible to sudden or significant fluctuations in lake water levels as a result of hydroelectric operations. Both species of Paranaspides have small areas of occupancy and are prone to the effects of hydroelectric activities on their lake habitats; under IUCN Red List criteria, their conservation status corresponds to Vulnerable (D2).