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Type: Article
Published: 2014-03-14
Page range: 195–214
Abstract views: 37
PDF downloaded: 1

The Red Sea species of Cymo de Haan, 1833 (Decapoda, Brachyura, Xanthidae), associates of scleractinian corals

Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany.
Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80207, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany.
Xanthidae Cymo taxonomy Red Sea coral associates morphology gastric teeth

Abstract

Four species of Cymo, associates of scleractinian corals, from the Red Sea were studied using scanning electron and light microscopy. Characters based on the morphologies of the carapace, gonopods and digestive tract (gastric teeth) were investigated and described in detail. All Red Sea species are redescribed, distinguishing characters are identified and an identification key is provided. Cymo quadrilobatus is the most distinctive species, with prominent granules on the carapace and most of the surfaces of the chelipeds and walking legs, and four red spots on the dorsal surface of the carapace in contrast to the smooth or finely granular surfaces in the other three species. Cymo deplanatus is listed as new record for the Red Sea.