Diversity and distribution of Chirostyloidea and Galatheoidea (Decapoda, Anomura) in the Southern Gulf of Mexico

By

Vázquez Bader, Ana Rosa
Gracia G., Adolfo

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2016

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

612

Pages

1-30

Subjects

abundance , Chirostilydae , Depth , Distribution , Galatheidae , Gulf of Mexico , Munididae , Munidopsidae , new records

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.612.9492

 

Abstract

We examined the diversity, abundance, distribution, and average size of squat lobsters collected during eight cruises conducted on the continental shelf and slope of the Gulf of Mexico (Mexican/USA border to the Caribbean Sea). Six species belonging to two genera of Chirostyloidea, and 25 species of four genera of Galatheoidea are reported. A total of 1513 specimens were obtained of which 95 were Chirostylidae, two Galatheidae, 285 Munidopsidae, and 1131 Munididae. Of the species collected, 13.8% were only known from Caribbean Sea. Three species of Chirostylidae—G. salvadori, U. capillatus, and U. spiniger—as well two of Munidopsidae, M. bradleyi and M. riveroi, are recorded for the first time in the Gulf of Mexico. The upper bathymetric range of one species and the lower one for eight species are extended. Biological and ecological traits of squat lobsters in the southern Gulf of Mexico are also provided.