SOUTHWELL— ANOMURA 111 



Eyes usually large. Chelipedes moderately flattened. The carpus short, and usually 

 provided with a single projecting lobe near the proximal end of the internal margin. 

 The digits frequently contorted. Ambulatory limbs with the dactyli short and robust, 

 terminating in a single claw. 



Porcellana serratifrons, Stimpson. 



Stimpson (34), Southwell (32), Henderson (19). 



This species (which the writer has had many opportunities of examining, both 

 from Kutch, and, in particular, from the Ceylon Pearl Banks, where it occurs plenti- 

 fully) is extremely variable, a fact which, so far as I know, has not hitherto been 

 sufficiently emphasised. So extensive are these variations, that it is impossible to give 

 more than a general description of the species. 



The front is composed of three lobes, of which the median one is rounded, and 

 minutely serrate. The two lateral ones are much smaller, and acute, a few teeth, which 

 are coarser than those on the median lobe, being present on their internal edge. The 

 carapace is usually somewhat flattened, and is marked by a discontinuous, parallel 

 transverse series of pubescent striae. Edges of the carapace with a variable number 

 of teeth. A few spines occur over the insertion of the antennal peduncles. A little 

 posterior to these is a rounded lobe, bearing some small teeth. Some, or all, of the 

 segments of the antennal peduncles bear single teeth on their internal face. Chelipedes 

 equal or unequal, the left or right being the larger. The chelipedes, like the carapace, 

 bear discontinuous rows of pubescent strise. The inner angle of the merus is prominent 

 and armed with teeth. A few teeth, usually two, occur on the internal edge of the 

 carpus. The external edge may be entire, or bear one or two teeth. 



The propodite of each chelipede bears a median dorsal carina, which may, 

 internally, be entire, or toothed ; the outer edge always toothed. Fingers curved 

 and short. 



Natural colour : dark uneven brownish-grey changing in spirit through brick red 

 to colourless. 



Very numerous specimens, males and females. 



Average length of carapace, 10 mm. ; average breadth of carapace, 9 mm. 



Locality :— Off S.W. of Beyt Island, Gulf of Kutch. 



Previously recorded from : — Hongkong, Challenger Expedition ; Ceylon Pearl 

 Banks, Southwell. 



From the examination of some hundreds of specimens, the following facts and 

 conclusions were arrived at : — 



(1) That although the general form and outline of the carapace was consistent 

 throughout, particularly the form of the rostrum, innumerable minor 

 variations occur. 



