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Issue: Vol. 5760 No. 2: 23 Feb. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-02-23
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5760.2.5
Page range: 248-264
Abstract views: 57
PDF downloaded: 2

New records of Munidopsidae (Decapoda: Anomura) from Japan, with description of a new species of Galacantha A. Milne-Edwards, 1880

Estuary Research Center; Shimane University; 1060 Nishikawatsu-cho; Matsue; Shimane 690-8504; Japan
Graduate School of Engineering and Science; University of the Ryukyus; 1 Senbaru; Nishihara; Okinawa 903-0213; Japan
Natural History Museum and Institute; Chiba; 955-2 Aoba-cho; Chuo-ku; Chiba 260-8682; Japan.
Crustacea deep water Galatheoidea genetic analyses Honshu new species

Abstract

Two species of the deep-sea squat lobster family Munidopsidae are reported as new additions to the Japanese marine fauna on the basis of specimens collected from the Sea of Kumano (off Kii Peninsula), central Japan. Galacantha kumano sp. nov. is morphologically similar to G. subspinosa Macpherson, 2007, but distinguishable by the weaker armature on the dorsal surface of the carapace and pleon and proportionally wider thoracic sternite 3. An identification key to all species of the genus Galacantha A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 is provided. Munidopsis concava Macpherson, 2007 is re-redescribed to supplement diagnostic characters with re-examination of the type material. The identity of the Japanese specimens was verified with genetic data derived from the two mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S rRNA genes). The present Japanese material revealed association of M. concava with sunken wood, a trait observed in some congeneric species, including those with similar morphology.

 

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How to Cite

Osawa, M., Sato, T. & Komai, T. (2026) New records of Munidopsidae (Decapoda: Anomura) from Japan, with description of a new species of Galacantha A. Milne-Edwards, 1880. Zootaxa, 5760 (2), 248–264. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.2.5