534 



the distal part. In pereopods VI the maximum width of the 2nd segment 

 is shifted proximally and exceeds its length; the remaining segments 

 together are equal in length to the 2nd segment. In pereopods VII the 

 anterior margin of the 2nd segment is strongly bulged, the posterior 

 margin proximally stretched as an angle and distally straightly truncate 

 or slightly concave; the remaining segments are virgate and their total 

 length is less than that of the 2nd segment. 



The epimeral plates in smaller individuals are roundish, in .larger 

 ones have a pointed posterior angle. Urosomite I is shorter than the 

 geminate urosomite and very slightly wider than long. The basipodite of 

 uropods I extends beyond the base of the telson and is denticulate in the 

 distal part; the exopodite has denticulate margins; the endopodite is very 

 slightly broader at the base than the exopodite, somewhat longer than 

 it, and denticulate on both sides. The basipodite of uropods II is shorter 

 than in uropods I, in males approximately the same width, in females 

 much narrower, and the distal part of the inner margin denticulate. The 

 basipodite of uropods III is short, its length not more than twice its 

 width, and equal to the length of the rami; the exopodite is shorter than 

 the endopodite; the tips of the rami do not reach the tip of the telson. The 

 telson is the same length as the last urosomite (especially in indivduals 

 smaller than 13 mm) or shorter than it (in larger individuals). The tip of 

 the telson is stretched and pointed in younger crustaceans and females, 

 but the telson narrowly triangular with a blunt tip in larger males. 



The three anterior pairs of gills in females are large and roundly 

 broadened, the two posterior pairs are elongated and folded, as in males. 

 The oostegites are reduced and narrow. Closure of the brood chamber is 

 effected by the combined action of the anterior gills, the oostegites, and 

 the broad basal segments of pereopods V-VII. 



Notes: The disposition of cuticular pores on the body integument is 

 fairly constant: each of the somites of the pereon has one-three pores on 

 each lateral side of the anterior margin. Somite I, in addition to these pores, 

 sometimes has one pore on the posterior margin. One pore also occurs on 

 each side of the ventral margin in every somite of the pleon. The number 

 of pores and their linear disposition on the surface of the basal segments 

 of pereopods V-VII are variable: in larger individuals the usual number of 

 pores is respectively 4, 4, 3, and in smaller individuals 3, 3, 2. 



Distribution: Broadly circumtropical; its farthest report are from 

 40° N and S. It is not found in the Red Sea. 



8. Genus Rhabdosoma White, 1847 



White, 1847: 138;Stebbing, 1895: 366;Spandl, 1927: 207; Page, 1960: 87; 

 Bowman and Gruner, 1973:52. — Xiphocephalus Bovallius, 1890: 118, 

 125. — Macrocephalus Bate, 1858. — Rhabdonectes Bo\al\ms, 1887: 39. 



