Stenalpheops crangonus Anker, Jeng and Chan, 2001
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| Original Description | Chelomalpheus crangonus Anker, Jeng and Chan, 2001: 1053, figs. 4-8 [Stenalpheops crangonus in Noted added in proof, p. 1061]. |
| Classification | Arthropoda: Crustacea: Malacostraca: Decapoda: Alpheidae. |
| Synonymy | Chelomalpheus crangonus Anker, Jeng and Chan, 2001. |
| Type Locality | Chang-Hua County, Taiwan (symbol |
| Type Material | Holotype and paratype in NTOU (National Taiwan Ocean University), NTOU H-1996-12 and NTOU P-1991-4, respectively, in ethanol and good condition. |
| Common Name | Crangon-like stenalpheops. |
| Taxonomic Status | Valid. |
| Geographic Distribution | Subtropical and temperate western Pacific: Taiwan and Korea (see map). The occurrence of S. crangonus in Korea is based on recent molecular work of Prof. W. Kim’s students (Kim et al., 2001). |
| Frequency | Relatively common in suitable habitats. |
| Habitat | Mudflats. |
| Depth Range | Intertidal. |
| Life History and Behavior | Infaunal inhabitant of burrows of the mudshrimp, Upogebia edulis (Upogebiidae). |
| Related Species | Stenalpheops anacanthus Miya, 1997 [IWP]; S. crangonus differs from S. anacanthus by the reduced and upwardly directed rostral process and the pollex of the male chelipeds being almost completely fused to the palm so forming a peculiar type of subchela. |
| Size | Body length to about 20 mm. |
| Color Pattern | Uniform whitish (see photo). |
| Molecular Sequence Data | None. |
| Remarks | In adult males of S. crangonus, the pollex is not only strongly bent backwards but also almost entirely fused with the adjacent palm, resulting in a peculiar subchela; this claw configuration is unique within the family Alpheidae. |
| Major References | Anker et al. 2001 [original description, figures, color photos]; Kim et al., 2001 [abstract of poster, occurrence in Korea]. |


