Allogalathea babai, Cabezas & Macpherson & Machordom, 2011

Cabezas, Patricia, Macpherson, Enrique & Machordom, Annie, 2011, Allogalathea (Decapoda: Galatheidae): a monospecific genus of squat lobster?, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 162 (2), pp. 245-270 : 249-259

Allogalathea babai sp. nov. ( Figs 1–6A )

Galathea elegans Miyake, 1938: 37 , figure 1, plate 2, figure D (in part).

Allogalathea elegans Baba, 1969: 6 , figure 1 (in part); Baba, 1977: 252 (in part); Baba, 1979: 654, figure 3 (in part); Baba, 1982: 61; Baba, 1988: 54 (in part); Steene, 1990: 158, 320; Gosliner, Behrens & Williams, 1996: 226, colour figure 820 (in part); Minemizu, 2000: 168, with three colour figures (in part); Jones & Morgan, 2002: 133, colour figure (no record); Kawamoto & Okuno, 2003: 93, unnumbered colour figures (in part); Poore, 2004: 231, plate 13g (in part, compilation); Kawamoto, & Okuno, 2006: 93, unnumbered colour figure (in part); Macpherson, 2008: 289 (in part); Baba et al., 2008: 53 (in part, compilation), figure 2C.

Material examined: Japan, Okinawa, Ie Island , 26°43.474′N, 127°49.899′E, 7 July 2004, 18– 23 m: one M, 4.1 mm, one ovig. F 6.6 mm ( UF 7244 , Allo7244) .

Mariana Islands, Guam, Luminao ref., 21 May 1999, depth 10 m, under rubble: one M 3.1 mm, one ovig. F 3.9 mm ( UF 277 ); Pati Point, off Gorgonian, 28 July 2000, 24 m a.s.l.: one M 3.1 mm, one ovig. F 5.0 mm ( UF 3856 ) .

South China Sea. Macclesfield Bank, 24 m: one M 5.2 mm ( BMNH 1892.8.28) .

Indonesia. Rumphius Expedition II, East coast of Marsegu Island, 18 January 1975: one M 3.4 mm, on Oxycomanthus bennetti (MNHN-Ga1133); Rumphius Expedition II, Banda Sea, northern tip of Banda Sesar I., Banda Island, 30 January 1975: one F 5.6 mm, on Oxycomanthus bennetti (MNHN-Ga1123).

Christmas Islands. North coast: one ovig. F 3.4 mm ( UF 8069, Allo8069).

Vanuatu. Santo. Stn DB 33, 15°34.7′S, 167°13.8′E, 18 September 2006, 14– 25 m: one M 2.4 mm (MNHN- Ga7353); Stn FR 1, 15°32.3′S, 167°13.1′E, 10 September 2006, 18– 20 m: one ovig. F 8.4 mm (MNHN- Ga7354, Allo8) .

New Caledonia. Lagoon, Touho, in front of Kohé, 8 September 1993: 21 M 2.9–4.8 mm, eight ovig. F 4.7–8.5 mm (MNHN-Ga7419), one ovig. F 8.7 mm (MNHN-Ga7420, Allo17), one ovig. F 7.6 mm (MNHN-Ga7421, Allo18), one ovig. F 6.5 mm (MNHN-Ga7422, Allo19), one ovig. F 4.7 mm (MNHN-Ga7423, Allo22), one M 4.7 mm (MNHN- Ga7424, Allo34), one ovig. F 4.3 mm (MNHN-Ga7425, Allo36), one ovig. F 5.4 mm (MNHN-Ga7429, Allo21); 30 August 1993: one ovig. F 6.9 mm, one F 2.9 mm (MNHN-Ga7355).

Touho Bank, 10 m: one M 2.5 mm (MNHN-Ga7426); Touho Bank, 28 August 1993: one M 4.9 mm (MNHN-Ga7356).

Chesterfield Islands. Corail 2. Stn CP90, 19°03′S, 158°56′E, 26 July 1988, 44– 48 m: one M 6.1 mm, one ovig. F 8.0 mm (MNHN-Ga7357).

Loyalty Islands. Lifou Island. Lifou 2000. Stn 1440, 20°47.2′S, 167°08.6′E, 11–16 November 2000: 15–35 m: one M 2.8 mm, one ovig. F 3.8 mm (MNHN- Ga7358); one M 3.3 mm (MNHN-7359, Allo2); one ovig. F 4.9 mm (MNHN-Ga7360); 19 November 2000, dive: one M 3.4 mm (MNHN-Ga7361, Allo4).

Types: The ovigerous female of postorbital carapace length 5.4 mm, from New Caledonia (lagoon 8 September 1993, MNHN-Ga7429) was selected as the holotype . All the other specimens are paratypes.

Etymology: This species is dedicated to Dr Keiji Baba of Kumamoto University, Japan, who described the genus Allogalathea , and has greatly improved our knowledge of the taxonomy of squat lobsters.

Description: Carapace exclusive of rostrum 0.8–1.0 times long as broad; dorsal surface nearly horizontal from anterior to posterior, and anterior cervical groove indistinct, posterior one distinct. Gastric region with between five and seven uninterrupted ridges, with or without scales between them, anterior first and second ridges medially convex anteriorly; mid-transverse ridge uninterrupted, extending laterally to sixth marginal spines, preceded by slightly distinct cervical groove, followed by between six and nine transverse ridges, mostly interrupted. Lateral margins with eight or nine spines: two spines in front of and six or seven spines behind indistinct anterior cervical groove; first anterolateral, small, slightly posterior to level of lateral limit or orbit; second smaller than first, equidistant between anterolateral spine and anterior cervical groove; three spines on anterior branchial region, and three or four spines on posterior branchial margin, last small. Rostrum twice as long as broad with eight or nine small lateral teeth, length 0.9 times that of carapace, and dorsal surface nearly horizontal in lateral view, with small setiferous ridges ( Fig. 1A ).

Pterygostomian flap rugose with sparse setae, anterior margin bluntly produced.

Sternal plastron 0.8 times as long as broad, lateral limits divergent posteriorly. Sternite 3 twice as broad as long, and anterior margin with minute median notch. Sternite 4 2.7 times longer and 2.7 times broader than preceding sternite, 0.5 times long as broad; sternites 4–5 with some transverse ridges bearing setae ( Fig. 1B ).

Abdominal somites 2–4 each with three or four uninterrupted transverse ridges on tergite, with or without scales in between; somite 5 with two uninterrupted ridges; somite 6 with two uninterrupted ridges and some scales.

Eyestalk (other than cornea) with short fine setae on dorsal anterior extension; cornea moderately dilated.

Article 1 of antennal peduncle with blunt distomesial process nearly reaching distal margin of article 2. Article 2 with distolateral spine as long as distomesial, barely reaching midlength of article 3, sometimes with additional mesial spine. Article 3 with small, distinct distomesial spine. Article 4 unarmed ( Fig. 1C ).

Mxp3 ischium with well-developed spine on flexor distal margin; extensor margin unarmed; crista dentata with 23–27 denticles. Merus slightly longer than ischium, with two strong spines of subequal size on flexor margin, proximal one located at midlength, distal one at terminal end; extensor margin usually with three or four small spines ( Fig. 1D ).

P1 squamous, 2.9 (males), 2.6–2.7 (females) times carapace length, subcylindrical, most dorsal squamae with some small spinules and dense long setae. Merus 0.5–0.8 times length of carapace, 1.6–1.9 times as long as carpus, with row of mesial and distodorsal spines. Carpus 0.5–0.6 length of palm, 1.1–1.4 times longer than broad, lateral and mesial margins subparallel, with row of spines along mesial and distodorsal margins. Palm 1.8–2.4 times longer than broad, lateral and mesial margins straight or slightly convex in adult specimens; mesial row of spines, lateral margin with row of spines continuing on to whole lateral margin of fixed finger and most scales on dorsal surface with spinules. Fingers 0.7–0.9 as long as palm, distally crossing when closed; opposable margins nearly straight; mesial margin of movable finger with two or three subterminal spines and a few dorsomesial spinules ( Fig. 1E ).

P2–P4 squamous, broad relative to length, weak in armature, moderately slender, somewhat compressed. Scales with dense short setae. Length of P2 1.7–1.9 times carapace length. Meri successively shorter posteriorly (P3 merus 0.9 times length of P2 merus, P4 merus 0.8–0.9 times length of P3 merus); P2 merus 0.6–0.7 carapace length, 3.2 times as long as broad, 1.3–1.4 times longer than P2 propodus. Dorsal margins of meri only have a distodorsal spine, and sometimes a row of small proximally diminishing spines on P2–P3, unarmed on P4; ventrolateral margins with strong terminal spine.

Carpi with some dorsal spines; flexor distal margins with very small distal spine. Propodi subequal in length on P2 and P3, slightly shorter on P4, 4.0–4.2 times as long as broad on P2; extensor margin unarmed; flexor margin with six or seven slender movable spines. Dactyli subequal in length, 0.5–0.7 times length of propodi, ending in a curved, strong, sharp spine; flexor margin with prominent triangular terminal tooth preceded by five obsolescent teeth, each with seta-like movable spine ( Fig. 1F–H ).

Epipods present on P1 and sometimes also on P2–P3.

Colour: Body colour usually brown or orange, with a middle longitudinal whitish or yellowish broad stripe flanked by narrow dark-brown stripes on each side (pattern 2) ( Baba, 1969, 1979) (see Appendix). P1–P4 brown, orange, or yellow; individuals with dark brown have a P1 white distal part of fingers, sometimes with whitish or yellowish dorsal stripe along merus, carpus, and hand.

Remarks: The colour pattern of A. babai sp. nov. is clearly different to the one exhibited by the other species (see below). All specimens of A. babai sp. nov. have a brown colour on the body and pereiopods, and a median longitudinal white broad stripe flanked on either side by a narrow dark-brown stripe. Moreover, the new species has a variable number of epipods on the pereiopods, suggesting that this character is not useful for species discrimination within the genus Allogalathea (see also A. elegans ).

Allogalathea babai sp. nov. is closely related to A. elegans , in that both have a moderately long rostrum with spinules in most scales on the dorsal surface of the P1 palm. However, both species can be easily differentiated on the basis of other characters (see Remarks under A. elegans ).

Distribution and habitat: Japan, Philippines, Mariana Islands, Guam, South China Sea, Christmas Islands, Indonesia (east coast of Marsegu Island, Banda Sea, Banda Island), Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Chesterfield, and Loyalty Islands, Dampier Archipelago, and Western Australia. Depth range: 10–48 m, usually on crinoids ( O. bennetti ).

Allogalathea elegans ( Adams & White, 1848)

( Figs 2 , 3 , 6B )

Galathea elegans Adams & White, 1848 : plate 12, figure 7; Balss, 1913: 4, figures 2 and 3; Potts, 1915: 83, figure 4, plate 1, figure 5; Miyake, 1938: 37 (in part); Melin, 1939: 77, figures 48–53 (probably in part); Barnard, 1950: 487, figures 91i–k; Miyake & Baba, 1967: 228, figure 3 (with doubt); Lewinsohn, 1969: 123, figure 24; Healy & Yaldwyn, 1970: 67, plate 31 (no record).

Galathea longirostris Dana, 1852: 482 (type lost; type locality: Fiji Islands, depth 18 m); Dana, 1855: plate 30, figure 11; Southwell, 1906: 220.

Galathea longirostris Yokoya, 1936: 138 , figure 6 (holotype, female, lost; type locality: Misaki, Sagami Bay, Japan) (not G. longirostris Dana, 1852 ).

Galathea deflexifrons Haswell, 1882: 761 ; Haswell, 1882: 163.

Galathea grandirostris Stimpson, 1858: 90 (type lost; type locality, Kagoshima Bay, Japan, depth 9 m); Stimpson, 1907: 234; Henderson, 1888: 119, plate 12, figure 3; Borradaile, 1900: 421.

? Galathea grandirostris Southwell, 1906: 221 .

Allogalathea elegans Baba, 1969: 6 , figure 1 (in part); Haig, 1973: 275 (in part); Haig, 1974: 447 (in part); Baba, 1977: 252 (in part); Baba, 1979: 654, figure 3 (in part); Baba, 1988: 54 (in part); Baba, 1990: 950; Tirmizi & Javed, 1993: 27, figures 12 and 13 (with doubt); Gosliner et al., 1996: 226, figure 820 (in part); Wu, Chan & Yu, 1998: 84, figures 6 and 12C; Minemizu, 2000: 168, with three figuress (in part); Kawamoto & Okuno, 2003: 93, unnumbered figs (in part); Poore, 2004: 231, figure 63e, plate 13g (in part, compilation); Kawamoto & Okuno, 2006: 93, unnumbered figure (in part); Macpherson, 2008: 289 (in part); Poore, McCallum & Taylor, 2008: 18; Baba et al., 2008: 53, figure 2B.

Material examined: Madagascar. Nosy Komba , northwestern side, 13.4462°S, 48°3316°E, 26 May 2008, depth 0–12 m: one M 5.3 mm, one ovig. F 7.0 mm, one F 2.4 mm ( UF14196 ) .

Between Nosy Be and Nosy Tanikely, muddy lagoon, crinoid, 13.4572°S, 48.2484°E, 21 May 2008, depth 24–25 m: one F 4.6 mm ( UF14641 ) .

Nosy Be. Stn 10, dive, depth 26 m, P. Laboute coll. 1994: two ovig. F 5.1–5.3 mm (MNHN-Ga7372, Allo43).

South coast. Vauban. Stn CH 74, 25°04.8′S, 46°55.7′E, 4 March 1973, depth 28 m: five M 2.8– 5.2 mm, one ovig. F 5.0 mm, one F 3.1 mm (MNHN-Ga726) .

North-western coast, 12°49.5′S, 48°30′E, 2 August 1973, depth 55 m: two M 4.6–5.3 mm, one F 2.5 mm (MNHN-Ga1503, -Ga2226, -Ga2227).

West coast, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ( FAO) 26. 17°05′S, 43°50′E, 26 September 1976, depth 40–46 m: one ovig. F 5.9 mm (MNHN-Ga1486) .

North-western coast, near Tanikely, 13°28′S, 48°12′E, 26 February 1971, depth 28 m: one ovig. F 5.4 mm (MNHN-Ga725).

Mitsio Islands, February 1960, depth 60 m: three M 4.1–5.7 mm, six ovig. F 4.4–6.1 mm, two F 5.2– 6.6 mm (MNHN-Ga2240).

Reunion Island. MD32 Cruise. Stn CP 127, 20°52.0′S, 55°37.1′E, 2 September 1982, depth 90 m: one ovig. F 5.6 mm (MNHN-Ga4583) .

Mozambique. Mainbaza. Stn CP 3132, 35°01′51″S, 25°11′24″E, depth 101–102 m, Richer de Forges & Corbari coll., 10 April 2009: one ovig. F 8.3 mm (MHN-Ga7373) .

Gulf of Suez. A. Dolfus coll., 8 December 1928: 1 M 4.1 mm (MNHN-Ga762).

Taiwan. Longdong, Taipei County, 21 July 1999: one F 2.6 mm ( NTOU) . Gushan fishing port, Kaohsiung City, 14 January 1985: one M 5.2 mm ( NTOU) . Stn CP 02, 23°38.3′N, 119°53.2′E, 27 July 2000, depth 83–95 m: one F 5.2 mm ( NTOU) .

Philippines. Corregidor Island : one M 4.1 mm, one F 5.0 mm (types, BMNH1843 , see below) .

Musorstom 3. Stn DR104, 13°56′N, 120°22′E, 1 June 1985, depth 13 m: one M 2.1 mm (MNHN- Ga7374); Stn DR117, 12°31′N, 120°39′E, 3 June 1985, depth 92–97 m: two ovig. F 3.9 mm (MNHN-Ga7396) and 5.1 mm (MNHN-Ga7397); Stn CP121, 12°08′N, 121°17′E, 3 June 1985, depth 73–84 m: one M 3.1 mm, two F 2.8–3.5 mm (MNHN-Ga7375), one M 4.5 mm (MNHN-Ga7376, Allo39), one M 3.3 mm (MNHN-Ga7377); Stn CP142, 11°47′N, 123°01′E, 6 June 1985, depth 26–27 m: two M 4.3–5.6 mm, two ovig. F 3.7–4.7 mm (MNHN-Ga7378).

Indonesia. East coast of Marsegu Island, 18 January 1975, on Comanthina schlegeli , one M 2.5 mm, one ovig. F 4.1 mm (MNHN-Ga 1127); one M 3.0 mm on Oxycomanthus bennetti (MNHN-Ga 1133).

Lilinta Bay, across from Lilinta village, Misool Island, 23 January 1975, on Comanthina schlegeli and Comanthina parvicirrus : three M 2.2–3.6 mm (MNHN-Ga 1128, 1131, 1132).

Off Museha and Wayuta estuaries, Seleman Bay, north coast of Seram (Ceram), 19 January 1975, on Comanthina parvicirrus and Stephanometra spicata : two M 2.0– 2.5 mm, one ovig. F 3.3 mm (MNHN-Ga 1126, 1130).

Banda Island, 30 January 1975: one M 3.8 mm (MNHN-Ga 1120).

Southern entrance between Gunung Api Island and Bandanaira, on Comanthina schlegeli , 29 January 1975: one M 3.8 mm, one F 4.2 mm (MNHN-Ga 1121).

Across from Kotasirih village, Kailakat Bay, Gorong Island, 26 January 1975, on Capillaster multiradiatus : 1 M 5.5 mm (MNHN-Ga 1119). 25 January 1975, on Oxycomanthus bennetti , 1 M 2.0 mm (MNHN-Ga 1124).

Across from Kotasirih village, Kailakat Bay, Gorong Island, 27 January 1975, on Comanthina schlegeli : one ovig. F 5.0 mm (MNHN-Ga 1122).

Tapalol Island, off Biga Bay, Missol Island, 24 January 1975, on Stephanometra spicata : one M 1.6 mm (MNHN-Ga 1129).

Corindon. Stn DR258, 01°56.8′S, 119°17.3′E, 6 November 1980, depth 30 m: one M 3.7 mm (MNHN- Ga7379).

Vanuatu. Santo. Stn FR1-CF2, 15°32.3′S, 167°13.1′E, 10 September 2006, depth 18–20 m: one M 4.1 mm (MNHN-Ga7380, Allo11); Stn FR06, 15°32.6′S, 167°16.9′E, 13 September 2006, depth 3–37 m: one M 4.2 mm, one ovig. F 5.1 mm (MNHN-Ga7395); Stn ZR4, 15°33.1′S, 167°09.6′E, 17 September 2006, depth 0–45 m: one M 3.9 mm (MNHN-Ga7381, Allo15), one ovig. F 4.7 mm (MNHN-Ga7382, Allo9); Stn AT13, 15°27.8′S, 167°15.7′E, 19 September 2006, depth 146– 153 m: one ovig. F 3.7 mm (MNHN-Ga7383); Stn AT14, 15°23.7/24′S, 167°12.9/13.5′E, 19 September 2006, depth 102–120 m: two ovig. F 3.3 (MNN-Ga7384) and 4.6 mm (MNHN-Ga7385, Allo31); Stn EP22, 15°37.3/ 37.4′S, 167°05.8/06.0′E, 21 September 2006, depth 78–91 m: one M 3.2 mm (MNHN-Ga7386); Stn FR26, 15°31.7′S, 167°09.5′E, 21 September 2006, depth 3–33 m: one M 3.5 mm, one F 1.8 mm (MNHN- Ga7387); Stn AT40, 15°23.4′S, 167°12.7′E, 27 September 2006, depth 81–94 m: one ovig. F 4.2 mm (MNHN-Ga7388); Stn AT44, 15°36.5′S, 167°02.7′E, 29 September 2006, depth 86–118 m: one ovig. F 5.8 mm (MNHN-Ga7389, Allo13); Stn DB80, 15°37.1′S, 167°07.5′E, 2 October 2006, depth 18 m: one M 2.6 mm, two F 2.2–3.0 mm (MNHN-Ga7390); Stn AT75, 15°37.0/37.3′S, 167°09.2/09.6′E, 10 October 2006, depth 52–66 m: one M 2.6 mm, two F 2.9–4.0 mm (MNHN-Ga7391); Stn AT81, 15°31.5′S, 167°11.9′E, 12 October 2006, depth 46–55 m: one ovig. F 6.0 mm (MNHN-Ga7392, Allo7); Stn AT82, 15°31.6′S, 167°12.4′E, 12 October 2006, depth 58–59 m: one ovig. F 4.9 mm (MNHN-Ga7393, Allo6); Stn AT84, 15°32.4′S, 167°14.3′E, 12 October 2006, 71– 104 m: depth one ovig. F 6.0 mm (MNHN-Ga7394, Allo14).

New Caledonia. Lagoon, 30 August 1993: two M 3.0– 4.1 mm, two ovig. F 3.0– 4.2 mm (MNHN-Ga7398).

In front Kohe, 8 September 1993, depth 15 m: six M 3.5–4.6 mm, eight ovig. F 3.0– 5.3 mm, one F 3.8 mm (MNHN-Ga7428), one ovig. F 5.4 mm (MNHN- Ga7399, Allo20) plus one ovig. F 5.2 mm (MNHN- Ga7400, Allo35) plus one M 4.5 mm (MNHN-Ga7401, Allo33).

Touho Bank, 28 August 1993: three M 2.1–4.5 mm, two ovig. F 3.1–5.6 mm, seven F 1.8–3.0 mm (MNHN- Ga7402; Ga7403, Allo25; Ga7404, Allo23; Ga7405).

Touho Channel, 4 September 1993, depth 52 m: one M 4.7 mm, two ovig. F 5.7–6.0 mm (MNHN-Ga7406); 7 September 1993, 56 m: two F 4.0– 5.7 mm two F 4.0– 5.7 mm plus one M 3.1 mm (MNHN-Ga7427), one F 5.7 mm (MNHN-Ga7407, Allo29).

Touho Bank. 20°44.20′S, 165°14′E, 15/ 16 September 1993: two M 4.2–4.6 mm, two ovig. F 4.3–5.3 mm (MNHN-Ga7408).

Touho (Kohé), Opération Montrouzier, dive, depth 15 m, 7 September 1993: one M 3.9 mm, one ovig. F 4.4 mm. (MNHN-Ga7416); same cruise, same date, 20°48.93′S, 166°16.80′E, depth 55–60 m: one F 2.3 mm (MNHN-Ga7417).

Ilot Canard, 22°09.2′S, 166°21.7′E, depth 20 m: two M 3.9–4.2 mm, two ovig. F 3.9–5.2 mm (MNHN-Ga7409).

Grand Recif Sud. Stn 302, 22°38′S, 166°49′E, depth 17 m: one M 4.1 mm, one ovig. F 7.1 mm (MNHN-Ga7410).

Plotmatre, perhaps Ilot Maitre. 22°19.35′S, 166°25.85′E, 11 November 1995, depth 20 m: one ovig. F 5.3 mm (MNHN-Ga7411).

Gail Bank, 1970, depth 30 m: one M 5.9 mm (MNHN-Ga 523).

Chesterfield Islands. Corail 1. Bank Landsdowne, August 1988: two M 3.2–4.3 mm, two ovig. F 5.1– 5.7 mm (MNHN-Ga7414).

Corail 2. Stn CP25, 20°25′S, 161°05′E, 22 July 1988, depth 67–70 m: one M 2.3 mm (MNHN-Ga7415).

Eastern Australia. Albany Passage , Queensland: one specimen dry 4.5 mm (type of G. deflexifrons Haswell ) ( AM P3885 ) .

Types: The female of 5.0 mm postorbital carapace length from the Philippines, Corregidor Island ( BMNH1843 ) has been selected as the lectotype . The male specimen of 4.1 mm has been considered a paralectotype .

Description: Carapace, exclusive of rostrum, as long as broad; dorsal surface nearly horizontal from anterior to posterior, with distinct transverse striae bearing fine but coarse setae and cervical groove slightly distinct. Gastric region with four or five uninterrupted and one or two interrupted ridges, first anterior and second uninterrupted, ridges medially convex anteriorly; mid-transverse ridge uninterrupted, extending laterally to sixth marginal spines, preceded by distinct cervical groove, followed by between three and five transverse ridges, last one interrupted. Lateral margins with nine spines: two spines in front of and seven spines behind anterior cervical groove; first anterolateral, small, slightly posterior to level of lateral limit of orbit; second slightly smaller than first, equidistant between anterolateral spine and anterior cervical groove; three spines on anterior branchial region, and four spines on posterior branchial margin, decreasing in size posteriorly. Rostrum 2.0–2.3 times as long as broad, with seven or eight small lateral teeth, length subequal to that of carapace; dorsal surface nearly horizontal in lateral view, with small setiferous ridges ( Fig. 2A ).

Pterygostomian flap setiferous striae, anterior margin bluntly produced.

Sternal plastron 0.8 times as long as broad, lateral limits divergent posteriorly. Sternite 3 three times as broad as long, anterior margin with minute median notch. Sternite 4 4.6 times longer and 2.5 times broader than preceding sternite, 0.6 times as long as broad; sternites 4 or 5 with a few short transverse ridges bearing short setae ( Fig. 2B ).

Abdominal somites 2–4 each with three uninterrupted transverse ridges on tergite, usually without scales in between; second ridge interrupted medially in some specimens; somite 5 with two uninterrupted ridges and few scales, somite 6 with two interrupted ridges and few scales.

Eyestalk (other than cornea) with short fine setae on dorsal anterior extension; cornea moderately dilated.

Article 1 of antennal peduncle with blunt distomesial process reaching or overreaching end of article 2. Article 2 with distolateral spine larger than distomesial, nearly reaching end of article 3. Article 3 with distinct distomesial spine reaching end of article 4. Article 4 unarmed ( Fig. 2C ).

Mxp3 ischium with well-developed spine on flexor distal margin; extensor margin unarmed; crista dentata with 20–23 denticles. Merus slightly longer than ischium, with two strong spines of subequal size on flexor margin, proximal one located slightly distal to mid-length, distal one at terminal end; extensor margin unarmed or with two or three small spines ( Fig. 2D ).

P1 squamous, 2.2–3.0 times carapace length, subcylindrical, lateral and mesial margins straight in adult specimens; each squama usually with one spinule and some long setae. Merus 0.7–0.8 times length of carapace, 1.3–1.4 times as long as carpus, with spines on mesial and distodorsal margins. Carpus 0.7–0.9 length of palm, 1.8–2.2 times longer than broad, lateral and mesial margins subparallel; mesial margin with row of spines. Palm 2.2–2.6 times longer than broad, lateral and mesial margins subparallel; mesial row of spines, lateral margin with row of spines continuing on to whole lateral margin of fixed finger, and most scales on dorsal surface with spinules. Fingers 0.8 length of palm, distally crossing when closed; opposable margins nearly straight, mesial margin of movable finger with two or three subterminal spines ( Fig. 2E ).

P2–P4 squamous, relatively slender, somewhat compressed, with short setae on each squama. P2 1.5–1.8 times carapace length. Meri successively shorter posteriorly (P3 merus 0.9 times length of P2 merus, P4 merus 0.8 times length of P3 merus); P2 merus 0.6–0.7 carapace length, 4.0–4.2 times as long as broad, 1.3–1.4 times longer than P2 propodus. Dorsal margins of meri with distodorsal spine and row of well-developed proximally diminishing spines on P2–P3, unarmed or with some minute spines on P4; ventrolateral margins with strong terminal spine. Carpi with some dorsal spines on P2 and P3, unarmed on P4; flexor distal margins with small spine. Propodi slightly longer on P3 than on P2, slightly shorter on P4 than on P2. P2 propodus 4.3 times as long as broad, 1.9 times longer than P2 dactylus; extensor margin unarmed; flexor margin with between six and ten slender movable spines. P2–P3 dactyli subequal in length, slightly longer than P4 dactylus, ending in a curved, strong, sharp spine; flexor margin with prominent triangular terminal tooth preceded by four or five obsolescent teeth, each with seta-like movable spine ( Fig. 2F–H ).

Epipods present or absent on P1, absent on P2–P3.

Colour: The species has several possible body colour patterns: either uniformly dark (red, blackish purple, orange or brown) or dark, with either two narrow light stripes, or alternating longitudinal dark and light stripes (patterns 1, 3, and 4 of Baba, 1979), the number and width of which varies (see Appendix). Other colour patterns include a narrow lighter stripe in the middle of each dark stripe. Pereiopods also show variable coloration: P1 uniformly dark or with longitudinal light dorsal stripe along merus, carpus, and palm, finger tips light; some specimens with P1 uniformly dark and fingers whitish. P2–P4 uniformly dark or pale on distal portion of carpus, distal portion of propodus and entire dactylus; in some specimens, P2–P4 meri dark, and carpi, propodi, and dactyli whitish.

Remarks: A number of different taxa, as G. longirostris Dana, 1852 ; G. grandirostris Stimpson, 1858 ; G. deflexifrons Haswell, 1882 ; and G. longirostris Yokoya, 1936 have been judged to be junior synonyms of G. elegans Adams & White, 1848 ( Ortmann, 1894; Grant & McCulloch, 1906, among others). However, Baba (1969) recommended that previous records should be revised, confirming the presence or absence of epipods on P1–P3. It should be noted that Haig (1973) pointed out that the status of three of these species could not be resolved because their types are no longer extant (see Material examined).

The description and illustration by Dana (1852) suggest that G. longirostris is very close to A. elegans , the rostrum of both having 5 to 6 small spines on each side, and the body background colour of the body of both is purplish black, with two whitish stripes. The description of G. grandirostris by Stimpson (1858) is very brief and not illustrated, and includes a purplish black body background colour with two light stripes. A similar short description of G. deflexifrons was provided by Haswell (1882), who, as a distinctive character, pointed out that the rostrum is deflected. However, examination of the type species of G. deflexifrons Haswell, 1882 (in photographs provided by the Australian Museum, Sydney) indicates it is a junior synonym of A. elegans . The description of G. longirostris by Yokoya (1936), a junior homonym of G. longirostris Dana, 1852 , is more detailed and includes illustrations (only one female was collected). The body background colour has alternating brown and white stripes, and corresponds well with the original illustration of A. elegans .

Considering the impossibility of knowing the exact status of G. longirostris Dana, 1852 , G. grandirostris Stimpson, 1858 , and G. longirostris Yokoya, 1936 , we select the syntype female illustrated in Figure 3 as the lectotype of G. elegans Adams & White, 1848 . This lectotype is designated as the neotype of Dana’s, Stimpson’s, and Yokoya’s records, and therefore these names should be considered objective junior synonyms of G. elegans Adams & White, 1848 .

Allogalathea elegans is close to A. babai sp. nov., but the two can be distinguished by the following characters:

1. The walking legs (P2–P4) are shorter and more slender in A. babai sp. nov. than in A. elegans . The P2 merus is about three times longer than high in the new species, whereas the P2 merus is four times longer than high in A. elegans .

2. The dorsal margin of the P2–P3 meri is usually unarmed or has small spines in A. babai sp. nov., yet has well-developed spines in A. elegans .

3. The squamae on the dorsal side of P1 have several spinules and numerous long setae in A. babai sp. nov., whereas these squamae have only one spinule and a few long setae in A. elegans . These squamae are denser in A. babai sp. nov. than in A. elegans .

4. Epipods are always present on P1, and are sometimes present on P2–P3, in A. babai sp. nov., instead of being present on P1 only or absent on all pereiopods, as in A. elegans .

Furthermore, A. babai sp. nov. has a middle longitudinal light broad stripe that is never found in A. elegans .

Distribution and habitat: Mozambique, Red Sea, Madagascar, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia (Banda and Celebes Seas), Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Chesterfield islands. Subtidal to depth of 120 m; usually on crinoids, e.g. Capillaster multiradiatus , Comanthina schelegeli , Comanthina parvicirrus , Oxycomanthus bennetti , and Stephanometra spicata .

The distribution range of A. elegans is probably wider, and its occurrence in the areas cited (material not examined), e.g. South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bay of Bengal, Japan, western and south-western Australia, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, among others, needs confirmation.

Figures

Figure 1. Allogalathea babai sp. nov., holotype (ovigerous female 5.4 mm, New Caledonia, Lagoon, 8 September 1993). A, carapace and abdomen, dorsal. B, sternal plastron. C, anterior part of cephalothorax, showing left antennule and antenna, ventral. D, right Mxp3, lateral. E, right pereiopod 1, dorsal. F, right pereiopod 2, lateral. G, right pereiopod 3, lateral. H, right pereiopod 4, lateral. Scale bar: A, E–H, 1 mm; B–D, 2 mm.

Figure 2. Allogalathea elegans (Adams & White, 1848) (ovigerous female 5.6 mm, New Caledonia, Touho Bank, 28 August 1993). A, carapace and abdomen, dorsal. B, sternal plastron. C, anterior part of cephalothorax showing left antennule and antenna, ventral. D, right Mxp3, lateral. E, right pereiopod 1, dorsal. F, right pereiopod 2, lateral. G, right pereiopod 3, lateral. H, right pereiopod 4, lateral. Scale bar: A, E–H, 1 mm; B–D, 2 mm.

Figure 3. Allogalathea elegans (Adams & White, 1848), lectotype (female 5.0 mm, Philippines, Corregidor). A, carapace and abdomen, dorsal. B, sternal plastron. C, anterior part of cephalothorax showing right antennule and antenna, ventral. D, right Mxp3, lateral. E, right detached pereiopod 1, dorsal. F, left detached pereiopod 1. G, right detached pereiopod 3. H, left detached pereiopod 4. Scale bar: A, B–D, G, H, 1 mm; E, F, 0.5 mm. The detached pereiopods could belong to the paralectotype (male 4.1 mm).

Figure 4. Allogalathea inermis sp. nov., holotype (ovigerous female 7.3 mm, New Caledonia, SMIB 5, Stn DW100). A, carapace and abdomen, dorsal. B, sternal plastron. C, anterior part of cephalothorax showing left antennule and antenna, ventral. D, right Mxp3, lateral. E, right pereiopod 1, dorsal. F, right pereiopod 2, lateral. G, right pereiopod 3, lateral. H, left pereiopod 4, lateral. Scale bar: A, E–H, 1 mm; B–D, 2 mm.

Figure 5. Allogalathea longimana sp. nov., holotype (ovigerous female, 6.5 mm, Philippines, Musorstom 3, Stn CP107). A, carapace and abdomen, dorsal. B, sternal plastron. C, anterior part of cephalothorax showing left antennule and antenna, ventral. D, right Mxp3, lateral. E, right pereiopod 1 palm and fingers, dorsal. F, right pereiopod 1 merus and carpus, dorsal. G, right pereiopod 3, lateral. H, right pereiopod 4, lateral. Scale bar: A, E–H, 1 mm; B–D, 2 mm.

Figure 6. Squamae on distal portion of pereiopod 1 hand, showing setae and spinules, dorsal view. A, Allogalathea babai sp. nov., holotype (ovigerous female 5.4 mm, New Caledonia, Lagoon, 8 September 1993). B, Allogalathea elegans (Adams & White, 1848) (ovigerous female 5.6 mm, New Caledonia, Touho Bank, 28 August 1993). C, Allogalathea inermis sp. nov., holotype (ovigerous female 7.3 mm, New Caledonia, SMIB 5, Stn DW100). D, Allogalathea longimana sp. nov., holotype (ovigerous female 6.5 mm, Philippines, Musorstom 3, Stn CP107).