Alpheus

Stenalpheops crangonus Anker, Jeng and Chan, 2001

S. crangonus
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Original DescriptionChelomalpheus crangonus Anker, Jeng and Chan, 2001: 1053, figs. 4-8 [Stenalpheops crangonus in Noted added in proof, p. 1061].
ClassificationArthropoda: Crustacea: Malacostraca: Decapoda: Alpheidae.
SynonymyChelomalpheus crangonus Anker, Jeng and Chan, 2001.
Type LocalityChang-Hua County, Taiwan (symbol on the map).
Type MaterialHolotype and paratype in NTOU (National Taiwan Ocean University), NTOU H-1996-12 and NTOU P-1991-4, respectively, in ethanol and good condition.
Common NameCrangon-like stenalpheops.
Taxonomic StatusValid.
Geographic DistributionSubtropical 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).
FrequencyRelatively common in suitable habitats.
HabitatMudflats.
Depth RangeIntertidal.
Life History and BehaviorInfaunal inhabitant of burrows of the mudshrimp, Upogebia edulis (Upogebiidae).
Related SpeciesStenalpheops 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.
SizeBody length to about 20 mm.
Color PatternUniform whitish (see photo).
Molecular Sequence DataNone.
RemarksIn 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 ReferencesAnker et al. 2001 [original description, figures, color photos]; Kim et al., 2001 [abstract of poster, occurrence in Korea].