Iridopagurus violaceus Saint Laurent-Dechancé, 1966

(Figs 1 G, 2G, 3G)

Iridopagurus violaceus Saint Laurent-Dechancé, 1966: 165, figs 16, 22, 26, 31, 36. — Forest & Saint Laurent, 1968: 162, figs 147–150. — Markham & McDermott, 1981: 1271. — García-Gómez, 1983: 24. — Coelho & Ramos-Porto, 1986: 44. — Rieger, 1998: 417. — Melo, 1999: 112, fig. 60. — McLaughlin et al., 2010: 30.

Material examined. Brazil: Maranhão – “Almirante Saldanha”, st. 1732, 2 spec. (MZUSP-7217). Pernambuco – st. 36A, 1 spec. (DOUFPE-3811).

Diagnosis. Shield slightly broader than long. Rostrum triangular with rounded tip, slightly exceeding lateral projections. Lateral projections with spinule turned outward. Ocular peduncles dilated distally; ocular acicles small, triangular, mesial face with subterminal spine, and acicle bifid. Chelipeds with irregular rows of numerous acute spines. Ambulatory legs with 8–12 corneous spines on ventromesial faces of dactyls. Third pereopod with anterior lobe semisubcircular; sternites of fourth and fifth pereopods with inflated setae.

Distribution. Western Atlantic – Brazil (Fernando de Noronha and from Pará to Bahia).

Habitat. From shallow waters to 75 m. On sandy and rocky bottoms, calcareous algae and corals.

Remarks. Iridopagurus violaceus is close to I. iris, but the two species can be easily distinguished. (See remarks on I. iris).