Uroptychodes, new genus of Chirostylidae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura), with description of three new species

Abstract

Examination of materials collected from Indonesia, New Caledonia and vicinity, now deposited in the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, disclosed three additional undescribed species of chirostylids belonging to the Uroptychus spinimarginatus group. The group is now shifted to a distinct genus Uroptychodes. Uroptychus grandirostris Yokoya, 1933, which can be transferred to Uroptychodes, has been a problematic species because of the brevity of the original description and the loss of the type material. However, a recent finding of a specimen, which is in poor condition, very much like the illustration of U. grandirostris by Yokoya (1933: Fig. 29), but different from the description of U. grandirostris given by van Dam (1939) for one of the type specimens, suggests that the type material of U. grandirostris includes at least two species. In this paper a neotype is selected for U. grandirostris. The genus Uroptychodes now contains 10 species. All these species are reviewed and a key to the species of the genus is provided.

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NEW GENUS OF ANOMURAN CRUSTACEA 97
INTRODUCTION
The Uroptychus spinimarginatus group, first
recognised by Baba (1977), is an aberrant group in
Uroptychus characterised by an elongate, ventrally
carinate rostrum and very slender second pereopods
with an unarmed dactylus, distinctive characters that
can be used to separate it from the other species of
Uroptychus. This group is shifted to a new genus
Uroptychodes in this paper. The systematic status of
Uroptychus grandirostris Yokoya, 1933, which
should be transferred to the new genus, has
SCI. MAR., 68 (1): 97-116 SCIENTIA MARINA 2004
Uroptychodes, new genus of Chirostylidae (Crustacea:
Decapoda: Anomura), with description
of three new species*
KEIJI BABA
Faculty of Education, Kumamoto University, 2-40-1 Kurokami, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan.
E-mail: keiji@gpo.kumamoto-u.ac.jp
SUMMARY: Examination of materials collected from Indonesia, New Caledonia and vicinity, now deposited in the
Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, disclosed three additional undescribed species of chirostylids belonging to the Urop-
tychus spinimarginatus group. The group is now shifted to a distinct genus Uroptychodes. Uroptychus grandirostris
Yokoya, 1933, which can be transferred to Uroptychodes, has been a problematic species because of the brevity of the orig-
inal description and the loss of the type material. However, a recent finding of a specimen, which is in poor condition, very
much like the illustration of U. grandirostris by Yokoya (1933: Fig. 29), but different from the description of U.
grandirostris given by van Dam (1939) for one of the type specimens, suggests that the type material of U. grandirostris
includes at least two species. In this paper a neotype is selected for U. grandirostris. The genus Uroptychodes now contains
10 species. All these species are reviewed and a key to the species of the genus is provided.
Key words: Crustacea, Decapoda, Chirostylidae, Uroptychodes, new genus, systematics.
RESUMEN: UROPTYCHODES, NUEVO GÉNERO DE CHIROSTYLIDAE (CRUSTACEA: DECAPODA: ANOMURA), CON LA DESCRIPCIÓN
DE TRES NUEVAS ESPECIES.– El examen de material recolectado en Indonesia, Nueva Caledonia y alrededores, en la actuali-
dad depositado en el Museum national d’Histoire Naturelle, ha permitido detectar la presencia de tres especies de quirostí-
lidos no descritas, pertenecientes al grupo Uroptychus spinimarginatus. El grupo se transfiere ahora al género diferenciado
Uroptychodes. Uroptychus grandirostris Yokoya, 1933, que puede ser transferido a Uroptychodes, ha sido una especie pro-
blemática debido a la brevedad de la descripción original y a la pérdida del material tipo. No obstante, el reciente hallazgo
de un espécimen, en deficientes condiciones, que se asemeja mucho a la ilustración de U. grandirostris de Yokoya (1933:
fig. 29), pero difiere de la descripción de U. grandirostris dada por van Dam (1939) para uno de los especímenes tipo, sugie-
re que el material tipo de U. grandirostris incluye por lo menos, dos especies. En este trabajo se selecciona un neotipo para
U. grandirostris. El género Uroptychodes contiene ahora 10 especies. Se hace una revisión de todas ellas y se presenta una
clave para las especies del género.
Palabras clave: Crustacea, Decapoda, Chirostylidae, Uroptychodes, género nuevo, sistemática.
*Received May 9, 2003. Accepted July 25, 2003.

remained uncertain due to its brief description. Van
Dam (1939) redescribed U. grandirostris based on
part of the type material. Her description is detailed,
but the lateral marginal spines of the carapace are
shown as much broader than originally defined.
Recently, a specimen found in the collection made
by the late S. Miyake and now in the Kitakyushu
Museum of Natural History, Japan, came to my
attention. It is in poor condition, leaving the cara-
pace, sternal plastron, part of the third maxilliped,
and cheliped visible, but other portions are almost
damaged. The characters displayed by this specimen
are not sufficient to determine its systematic status,
but suggest that it fits the brief definition given by
Yokoya (1933) or could be referable to U. alba-
trossae Baba, 1988, differing from the material
examined by van Dam (1939). This fact suggests
that the type material of Yokoya, which was collect-
ed from seven different localities in Japan, contains
at least two species. Because the type material of U.
grandirostris is no longer extant and because the
specimen used by van Dam (1939) could not be
located, a neotype that fits van Dam’s description
was chosen for U. grandirostris.
In addition, three new species referable to Uropty-
chodes were found in collections made by recent sur-
veys around Indonesia (Karubar) and New Caledonia
and its vicinity (BIOCAL, MUSORSTOM 4, VOLS-
MAR, BERYX 11, BATHUS 3, HALIPRO 1) (Cros-
nier et al., 1997; Richer de Forges, 1990, 1993; Rich-
er de Forges & Chevillon, 1996). The genus now con-
tains 10 species: U. albatrossae (Baba, 1988), U.
barunae sp. nov., U. benedicti (Baba, 1977), U. epi-
gater sp. nov., U. grandirostris (Yokoya, 1933), U.
mortenseni (van Dam, 1939), U. musorstomi sp. nov.,
U. okutanii (Baba, 1981), U. spinimarginatus (Hen-
derson, 1885), and U. spinulifer (van Dam, 1940).
TERMINOLOGY AND MEASUREMENTS
The term “sternite(s)” used in the text is restrict-
ed to “thoracic sternite(s)”. The thoracic sternites in
the Chirostylidae are composed largely of two parts.
The posterior part is the so-called “sternal plastron”
or “thoracic sternum” (Tirmizi, 1964; McLaughlin,
1980), providing insertions of third maxillipeds and
first to fourth pereopods; there is no sternal plate for
the last somite of the thorax in the Chirostylidae
(Balss, 1957; Baba, 1990). No attention has been
paid to the anterior part: it is depressed or excavated
in ventral view from the level of the sternal plastron
in order to accommodate distal segments of the third
maxillipeds when folded. When the third maxillipeds
are extended forward, this part and corresponding
appendages, the first to third maxillipeds, are visible
by careful examination in a ventral aspect. Apparent-
ly, the third maxillipeds arise from the excavated part
directly adjacent to the anterior-most part of the ster-
nal plastron. This means that the anterior-most mar-
gin of the sternal plastron does not represent the true
anterior margin of the third thoracic sternite. In this
paper, the anterior part of the thoracic sternites is
called the “excavated sternum,” the posterior part is
the “sternal plastron,” and each sternite constituting
the sternal plastron is named “sternite 3 (correspond-
ing to the third maxillipeds)”, “sternite 4 (corre-
sponding to the first pereopods)”, etc.
The measurements given under “Material exam-
ined” indicate postorbital carapace length, a distance
between the front and posterior margins of the cara-
pace in midline.
The abbreviations used in the text include: Mxp
= maxilliped; P = pereopod; BM = Natural History
Museum, London; MNHN = Muséum National
d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris; NSMT = National Sci-
ence Museum, Tokyo; USNM = National Museum
of Natural History, Washington, D.C; ZLKU =
Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History (formerly
registered under Zoological Laboratory, Kyushu
University); ZMA = Zoological Museum, Amster-
dam; ZMUC = Zoological Museum, University of
Copenhagen.
Most of the material here reported is deposited in
the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris,
and part will be in the collection of the Smithsonian
Institution, Washington D.C.
SYSTEMATICS
Order DECAPODA Latreille, 1802
Infraorder ANOMURA H. Milne Edwards, 1832
Family CHIROSTYLIDAE Ortmann, 1892
Uroptychodes gen. nov.
Diagnosis: Body and appendages usually cov-
ered with fine setae. Carapace armed with row of
lateral spines. Rostrum basally broad but elongate,
often more than length of remaining carapace, ven-
tral surface carinate in midline. Excavated sternum
bearing longitudinal ridge in midline. Cornea usual-
ly not fully visible from above. Antennal flagellum
very short, not extending beyond end of rostrum.
98 K. BABA

Mxp 3 ischium with distinct spine lateral to rounded
flexor distal margin. P1 relatively slender, spinose or
covered with denticular small spines. P2 definitely
more slender than P3 and P4, dactylus usually
unarmed on flexor margin; carpus longer than that
of P3. P3-4 having dactyli with row of spines on
flexor margin, penultimate usually pronounced; car-
pus much shorter relative to that of P2, about half as
long as propodus.
Type species: Uroptychodes epigaster sp. nov.
Remarks: The new genus is separated from Urop-
tychus by the very elongate and ventrally carinate
rostrum and P2 more slender than P3-4, having the
carpus distinctly longer than those of P3-4 and the
dactylus entire on the flexor margin.
Among members of Uroptychus is another aber-
rant form, U. naso van Dam, 1933, which possesses
most of the characters with Uroptychodes. However,
it is distinctive in that the P2 is similar to P3 and P4,
having the dactylus with a row of spines on the flex-
or margin, a character shared by Uroptychus.
NEW GENUS OF ANOMURAN CRUSTACEA 99
FIG. 1. – Uroptychodes albatrossae (Baba, 1988); a, c, e, male (ZLKU 4881); b, d, female (MNHN Ga-4164); f, ovigerous female (MNHN
Ga-4197): a, carapace, setae omitted on left half, dorsal; b, same, setae omitted from right half of carapace and whole abdomen, dorsal; c,
excavated sternum and anterior part of sternal plastron, parts of Mxps included, ventral; d, anterior part of sternal plastron, ventral; e, left P1,
dorsal; f, distal part of right P3, lateral. Scales = 1 mm; scale 1 for b, e; scale 2 for a; scale 3 for d; scale 4 for c, f.

Etymology: From Uroptychus and the Greek suf-
fix odes (resembling). The gender is masculine.
Uroptychodes albatrossae (Baba, 1988)
(Fig. 1)
Uroptychus albatrossae Baba, 1988: 22, Fig. 8.
Holotype: Ovigerous female, USNM 150302, off northern Min-
danao, 8º47’N, 123º31’15”E, 333 m.
Material examined: Japan. Off Nanbu, Kii Peninsula, Mar. 1943, S.
Sakaguchi coll.: 1 (ZLKU 4881). Tanimbar Island, Indonesia;
KARUBAR: stn 50, 7º59’S, 133º02’E, 184-186 m, 29 Oct. 1991: 1
4.0 mm (MNHN Ga-4167-2); Stn CP 82, 9º32’S, 131º02’E, 219-
215 m, 4 Nov. 1991: 1 4.5 mm (MNHN Ga-4164); Stn CP 86,
9º26’S, 131º13’E, 225-223 m, 4 Nov. 1991: 1 ov. 3.8 mm
(MNHN Ga-4197).
Diagnosis: Carapace laterally with well-devel-
oped anterolateral spine followed by a few small
spines and again 8 strong spines, last usually much
smaller and occasionally followed by 1 or 2 addi-
tional small spines. Hepatic region usually with 2
spines, occasionally with additional few spinules.
Rostrum more or less deflexed, dorsal surface well
excavated longitudinally, bearing tubercular
spines laterally; lateral margin with 9-12 (15 in
type) small spines. Excavated sternum anteriorly
wide, triangular, surface bearing ridge in midline
on anterior half. Abdomen spineless, covered with
fine setae. Antennal peduncles with strong dis-
toventral spine on each of distal 2 segments;
antennal scale nearly or barely reaching end of
ultimate segment; flagellum consisting of 7-8 seg-
ments, not reaching end of rostrum. Mxp 1 having
basal segment strongly convex mesially and near-
ly contiguous. Mxp 3 ischium with obsolescent
denticles on mesial ridge; distolateral spine on
merus and carpus well developed; merus with 3 or
4 denticular spines on flexor margin. Pereopods
(excepting P5) covered with denticular spines (not
on distal segment). P1 merus with well-developed
spines; merus and carpus covered with tubercular
spines. P2 merus with row of 6-7 sharp spines
rather distant from one another on extensor mar-
gin; carpus slightly shorter than propodus (0.90-
0.94 times as long). P3-4 meri with 6-7 extensor
marginal spines stronger than those on P2; propo-
di with tubercular spines along extensor margin
and even on surface lateral and mesial to it, flexor
margin ending in pair of spines preceded by 0 or 1
spine; dactyli ending in slender spine (ultimate)
preceded by much wider and slightly shorter spine
(penultimate) and 9-10 slender, proximally dimin-
ishing spines.
Eggs: Eggs carried up to 20 in number, measur-
ing 1.0-1.1 mm in diameter.
Remarks: In the ovigerous female (MNHN Ga-
4197), two narrow longitudinal stripes of pale
orange are visible on the carapace and abdomen
(Fig. 1b).
The male specimen from Japan (ZLKU 4881) is
broken but the carapace, sternal plastron, and P1, the
only characters left visible, suggest that it is refer-
able to U. albatrossae (Baba, 1988). This specimen
is also very much like the illustration of U.
grandirostris provided by Yokoya (1933). More
about this specimen is discussed under U.
grandirostris (see below).
Range: Japan off Kii Peninsula, Philippines off
northern Mindanao, between Negros and Siquijor,
between Cebu and Bohol, and Indonesia around
Tanimbar Island; 184-510 m.
Uroptychodes barunae sp. nov.
(Figs. 2, 3)
Material examined: Tanimbar Island, Indonesia; KARUBAR: stn
DW 49, 8º00’S, 132º59’E, 210-206 m, 29 Oct. 1991: 1 2.4 mm
(MNHN Ga-4170). Stn 50, 7º59’S, 133º02’E, 184-186 m, 29 Oct.
1991: 1 ov. 5.0 mm, holotype (MNHN Ga-4167-1).
Description: Body covered with short fine setae
in larger specimen, less setose in smaller specimen.
Carapace relatively long, slightly shorter than wide,
dorsally with distinct groove posterior to mid-
length, separating anterior and posterior regions;
hepatic region with mesially converging row of three
spines directly behind anterolateral spine, last spine
larger; a few additional small spines in larger speci-
men. Lateral margin having slender anterolateral
spine followed by about 7 spines (distinctly larger
than anterolateral spine) along entire length of
branchial margin; in larger specimen, another row of
small spines present between linea anomurica and
lateral marginal spines. Rostrum nearly as long as
remaining carapace, longitudinally hollowed, lateral
margin with 5-6 spines.
Pterygostomian flap with acute spine at anterior
end, surface covered with small spines moderate in
density.
Excavated sternum anteriorly wide, triangular,
ending in blunt but well-produced process or spine;
surface bearing longitudinal ridge in midline on
anterior half. Sternite 3 well depressed, anterior
margin well excavated, with semicircular or U-
100 K. BABA

shaped notch flanked by small spine; Sternite 4 hav-
ing anterolateral corner ending in anterolaterally
directed, small, sharp spine.
Abdomen unarmed, covered with setae more
thickly in larger specimen.
Antennal peduncles relatively slender, ultimate
and penultimate segments each armed with strong
distoventral spine; antennal scale extending beyond
cornea, slightly exceeding beyond penultimate seg-
ment or ending in mid-length of ultimate segment;
NEW GENUS OF ANOMURAN CRUSTACEA 101
FIG. 2. – Uroptychodes barunae sp. nov., ovigerous female holotype (MNHN Ga-4167): a, carapace and anterior part of abdomen (denuded
on left half of carapace and first and second abdominal somites and whole third and fourth abdominal somites), dorsal; b, same, abdomen
omitted, lateral; c, excavated sternum and anterior part of sternal plastron, parts of Mxps included, ventral; d, anterior part of sternal plastron,
ventral; e, right antennal peduncle, ventral; f, endopod of right Mxp 3, setae omitted from distal segments, lateral; g, right P4, lateral; h, dis-
tal part of same, setae omitted, lateral. Scales = 1 mm; scale 1 for a, b; scale 2 for g; scale 3 for d; scale 4 for f; scale 5 for e; scale 6 for h;
scale 7 for c.

flagellum consisting of 11 segments, slightly over-
reaching rostral tip in large specimen, 7 segments,
not reaching end of rostrum in small specimen.
Mxps 1 widely separated. Mxp 3 relatively slen-
der. Ischium with distinct distal spine lateral to flex-
or distal margin, mesial ridge with 26 denticles.
Merus elongate, with well developed distolateral
spine and 2 or 3 similar spines distal to mid-length
of flexor margin. Carpus distolaterally ending in
strong spine as large as that of merus, preceded by 2
102 K. BABA
FIG. 3. – Uroptychodes barunae sp. nov., male paratype (MHNH Ga-4170): a, carapace and anterior part of abdomen, setae and their pits
omitted on right half, dorsal; b, same, abdomen omitted, lateral; c, excavated sternum and anterior part of sternal plastron, ventral; d, right
antennal peduncle, ventral; e, endopod of right Mxp 3, distal segments omitted, lateral; f, left P1, dorsal; g, left P2, lateral; h, left P3, lateral;
i, distal segment of same, lateral. Scales = 1 mm; scale 1 for a, b; scale 2 for f, g, h; scale 3 for c; scale 4 for d, e; scale 5 for i.

or 3 spines. Coxa with 2 spines ventrally. Basis with
4 denticles on mesial ridge.
Left P1 in small specimen available; sparingly
setose; 4 times as long as carapace. Merus with 7
rows of distinct spines (2 dorsal, 1 lateral, 2 mesial,
2 ventral) continued onto carpus, and even on prox-
imal portion of palm.
Smaller specimen having P2-3 sparingly setose.
P2 having carpus about half as long as propodus;
merus and carpus with relatively sharp spines on
flexor margin; propodus unarmed except for distal
pair of spines on flexor margin; dactylus longer than
carpus. P3 somewhat wider tan P2; meral and carpal
spinations nearly as same as those of P2, but exten-
sor margin of merus with row of spines; propodus
with 3 extensor marginal spines proximally, flexor
margin ending in pair of spines without preceding
spine; dactylus half as long as propodus, flexor mar-
gin nearly straight, ultimate spine somewhat nar-
rower than largest penultimate preceded by 6-8 suc-
cessively diminishing slender spines.
Larger specimen with P4 only; very setose.
Meral, carpal and propodal spines more sharp and
stronger than on P2-3; propodus with 1 spine proxi-
mal to distal pair on flexor margin; dactylus distally
narrowed, ultimate spine nearly as large as ante-
penultimate, penultimate widest, shorter than ulti-
mate and antepenultimate.
Eggs: Number of eggs carried, 16; diameter, 1.1 mm.
Remarks: This species is very close to U. alba-
trossae in the carapace spination, and one of the
specimens was found in a lot that includes a speci-
men of the latter. However, I am inclined to believe
that these two species are separated by the following
NEW GENUS OF ANOMURAN CRUSTACEA 103
FIG. 4. – Uroptychodes benedicti (Baba, 1977); a, d, e, f, ovigerous female (MNHN Ga-4166); b, c, male (MNHN Ga-4169): a, carapace and
anterior part ofabdomen; b, anterolateral part of carapace, left, dorsal; c, same, slightly dorsolateral; d, excavated sternum and anterior part
of sternal plastron, parts of Mxps included; e, endopod of left Mxp 3, distal segments omitted, lateral; f, distal part of right P3, lateral. Scales
= 1 mm; scale 1 for a; scale 2 for f; scale 3 for b-e.

differences: the rostral lateral spines in the new
species are much fewer, 5-6 in the new species, 9-12
in U. albatrossae; the antennal scale is reaching at
most the mid-length of the ultimate peduncular seg-
ment in the new species, instead of reaching the end
of that segment in U. albatrossae; Mxps 1 are more
distantly separated from each other in the new
species, whereas they are close between the basal
segments in U. albatrossae; P2-4 bear more promi-
nent spines on the merus, carpus and propodus in the
new species than in U. albatrossae.
Etymology: Named for the R/V “Baruna Jaya 1”
by which the material was collected.
Uroptychodes benedicti (Baba, 1977)
(Fig. 4)
Uroptychus benedicti Baba, 1977: 123, Fig. 1.
Holotype: Male, USNM 150307, off Omae-zaki Light, Honshu,
Japan; 34 fms (62 m).
Material examined: Kai Islands, Indonesia; KARUBAR: stn DW
22, 5º22’S, 133º01’E, 124-850 m, 25 Oct. 1991: 1 2.1 mm
(MNHN Ga-4169). Tanimbar Island, Indonesia; KARUBAR: stn
DW 50, 7º59’S, 133º02’E, 184-186 m, 29 Oct. 1991: 1 ov. 3.5
mm (MNHN Ga-4166).
Diagnosis: Body covered with short fine setae.
Carapace strongly widened posteriorly, covered with
small denticular spines. Lateral margins convex on
posterior two-thirds, bearing about 7 spines of small
but irregular sizes on branchial region; lateral orbital
spine substituting anterolateral spine, strongly pro-
duced; small but distinct spine equidistant between
anterolateral spine and first of branchial marginal
spines. Rostrum straight, horizontal, lacking lateral
spines, length more than carapace length. Excavated
sternum anteriorly ending in strong process fully
reaching end of basal segment of Mxp 1, surface
cristate in midline; sternite 3 shallowly depressed,
anterior margin shallowly excavated, bearing small V-
shaped median notch. Abdomen spineless, covered
with short fine setae. Antennal peduncles having distal
2 segments each armed with strong distoventral spine;
antennal scale terminating in end of penultimate seg-
ment; flagellum short, consisting of 7 segments. Mxps
1 separated. Mxp 3 ischium with small rather obsoles-
cent denticles on mesial ridge, distal margin with very
small spine lateral to rounded distal lobe on flexor
face; merus ending in strong distolateral spine, flexor
margin with several denticles distal to midlength,
extensor margin with a few very small spines on distal
half, lateral surface also with small denticular spines
roughly in longitudinal row; carpus with a few exten-
sor marginal spines and strong distolateral spine. P1
covered with tubercular small spines; merus with 3
rows of large spines (1 mesial, 1 mesiodorsal, 1
mesioventral). P2-4 covered with tubercular small
spines except for distal segment, meral flexor margin-
al spines distinctly larger. P2 distinctly more slender
than P3-4, carpus longer than propodus; dactylus
entire on flexor margin. P3-4 propodi ending in pair of
spines without preceding spine; dactyli ending in slen-
der spine preceded by broad penultimate spine and
other 9-10 proximally diminishing slender spines,
antepenultimate as large as ultimate.
Eggs: Four eggs carried but normal number prob-
ably more; 1.2 mm in diameter.
Remarks: In the ovigerous female, denticular
spines on the carapace and pereopods are set as in the
type, but in the male, which is somewhat smaller than
the male holotype, denticular spines are distinct only
along the lateral margin of the carapace, barely dis-
cernible elsewhere. The propodus of the P2 is about
as long as the carpus in the small specimens, includ-
ing the type and the male examined, while in the large
female it is shorter than the carpus (the length ratio
being 26:36), longer than the dactylus (31/23).
The lateral limit of the orbit is produced into a
strong spine, which is barely discernible in a dorsal
aspect but apparent in a dorsolateral view (Fig. 4b,
c), a useful character to separate the species from
the others.
The excavated sternum represents a unique shape
among the members of the genus, the anteromedian
process extending as far forward as the distal end of
the basal segment of Mxp 1.
Range: Previously known from Japan off Omae-
zaki, Honshu in 62 m. The male from Indonesia is
recorded between 124 and 850 m, and the female is
between 184 and 186 m.
Uroptychodes epigaster sp. nov.
(Fig. 5)
Material examined: New Caledonia; BIOCAL: stn DW 51,
23º05’S, 167º45’E, 680-700 m, 31 Aug. 1985: 1 3.7 mm,
(MNHN Ga-3895); Stn CP 52, 23º06’S, 167º47’E, 540-600 m, 31
Aug. 1985: 1 4.3 mm, 2 ov. 4.2, 4.3 mm (MNHN Ga-4580).
MUSORSTOM 4: stn DW 222, 22º57.6’S, 167º33.0’E, 410-440 m,
30 Sept. 1985: 1 5.6 mm, holotype (MNHN Ga-4581). BERYX
11: stn DW 38, 23º37.53’S, 167º39.42’E, 550-690 m, 19 Oct 1992:
1 ov. 4.8 mm (MNHN Ga-3846).
Types: The female from Musorstom 4 : stn DW 222 (MNHN Ga-
4581) is selected as the holotype, the other specimens are paratypes.
104 K. BABA

Description: Carapace covered with more or less
stiff setae moderate in density. Lateral margins con-
vexly divergent; well-developed anterolateral spine
followed behind by small spine often obsolete or
even absent, and other 5 very strong sharp spines on
branchial region, anterior-most distinctly dorsal to
level of remainder. Pair of spines each located
behind lateral limit of orbit. Rostrum horizontal,
NEW GENUS OF ANOMURAN CRUSTACEA 105
FIG. 5. – Uroptychodes epigaster sp. nov., female holotype (MNHN Ga- 4581): a, carapace and anterior part of abdomen, setae omitted from
right half, dorsal; b, same, lateral; c, excavated sternum and anterior part of sternal plastron, parts of Mxps included, ventral; d, anterior part
of sternal plastron, ventral; e, right antennal peduncle, ventral; f, endopod of left Mxp 3, distal segments omitted, lateral; g, same, ventral; h,
right P1, dorsal; i, left P2, lateral; j, left P3, lateral; k, distal part of same, setae omitted. Scales 1–5 = 1 mm; scale 6 = 5 mm; scale 1 for a,
b; scale 2 for i, j; scale 3 for c; scale 4 for e, f, g, k; scale 5 for d; scale 6 for h.

about as long as or slightly shorter than remaining
carapace, lateral margin with a few distal spines;
dorsal surface excavated.
Pterygostomian flap anteriorly ending in acute
spine, surface with a number of spines around mid-
line and 2 directly under anterior linea anomurica.
Excavated sternum anteriorly produced, subtri-
angular, ending in blunt tip; surface with ridge in
midline on anterior half. Sternite 3 having anterior
margin nearly V-shaped, with median notch flanked
by small spine.
Abdomen setose like carapace, unarmed.
Antennal peduncles relatively slender, narrower
than opposite antennal scale, ultimate segment much
longer than penultimate, both segments with a small
distoventral spine; antennal scale terminating in or
exceeding mid-length of, but, not reaching end of ulti-
mate peduncular segment; flagellum composed of
about 10 segments, barely reaching tip of rostrum.
Mxps 1 widely separated. Mxp 3 having ischium
with distal spine lateral to rounded distal lobe on
flexor face, mesial ridge with denticles rather obso-
lescent and much smaller on distal portion. Merus
with distolateral spine and 4 distinct spines on distal
half of flexor margin.
P1 more than 5 times as long as postorbital cara-
pace length; relatively slender, covered with small
spines, on merus and carpus in particular. Merus
with well-developed distoventral spine and another
small spine, more distinct than those elsewhere, at
mid-length of ventromesial margin.
P2 with short setae on merus and carpus, less so
on distal 2 segments. Merus covered with small
spines, extensor marginal spines somewhat larger.
Carpus spinose along extensor margin, length equal
to or more than that of propodus (1.0-1.4 time as
long). Flexor margin of dactylus entire. P3-4 covered
with setae short on merus and carpus, long on propo-
dus and dactylus; spinose on merus, carpus and prox-
imal half of propodus. Dactyli massive, flexor margin
with 2 distal spines pronounced and subequal, pre-
ceded by about 7 slender, inclined spines.
Eggs: Eggs carried 3-11 in number, 1.0-1.1 mm
in diameter.
Remarks: The rostrum having a few distolateral
spines, the antennal peduncles bearing distal seg-
ments barely spinose and the antennal scale falling
short of the end of opposite ultimate segment, P1
covered with tubercular spines, and the general
appearance of the carapace link the species to U.
spinimarginatus (Henderson, 1885). However, the
carapace bears a pair of epigastric spines in U. epi-
gaster, whereas dorsally unarmed in U. spinimar-
ginalus; and P3-4 dactyli bear distal two of the flex-
or marginal spines prominent and subequal in U.
epigaster, whereas the penultimate is pronouncedly
broader than the ultimate in U. spinimarginatus.
Etymology: The specific name is a noun in appo-
sition from the Greek epi (on) and gaster (stomach),
for the epigastric spines which are very strong in the
species.
Uroptychodes grandirostris (Yokoya, 1933)
(Fig. 6)
Uroptychus grandirostris Yokoya, 1933: 68, Fig. 29 (part). van
Dam, 1939: 403, Figs. 4, 4a, 5. Miyake, 1947: 735, Fig. 2125; 1965:
633, Fig. 1038. Miyake and Baba, 1967: 225, Fig. 1.
Material examined: Japan. Daio-zaki, 26 Apr. 1936, I. Kubo coll.:
1 ov. 6.1 mm, neotype (ZLKU 4878), 1 4.3 mm (ZLKU 4879),
1 4.9 mm (ZLKU 4880). Tosa Bay, 29 Feb. 29 1960, K. Sakai
coll.: 1 5.9 mm (ZLKU 7532). Tosa-shimizu, 28 Nov. 1958, K.
Kurohara coll.: 2 4.0, 4.4 mm; 1 ov. 4.3 mm, 1 4.1 mm
(ZLKU 5688). East China Sea. 1 4.8 mm, 1 ov. 4.4 mm
(ZLKU 13249). [see Miyake and Baba, 1967]
Type: The ovigerous female from Daio-zaki, Japan (ZLKU 4878) is
designated as a neotype.
Description: Carapace more strongly convex
behind median groove. Anterior portion with small
spines especially around hepatic region; one placed
mesial to midpoint of hepatic lateral margin larger.
Lateral margins posteriorly convex, anterolateral
(first) spine moderate in size, second behind hepatic
region (on anterior part of branchial region) as large
as first, followed behind by distinct constriction and
5 broad, dorsoventrally depressed spines, last much
smaller, often accompanying small spine behind it.
Rostrum about as long as to slightly longer than
remaining carapace, dorsal surface with longitudinal
concavity flanked by tubercular small spines; lateral
margin with 9-11 spines distal to level of cornea.
Pterygostomian flap anteriorly ending in sharp
spine; surface covered with small spines.
Excavated sternum anteriorly broad triangular
between Mxps 1, ridge in midline distinct. Sternite 3
having anterior margin moderately concave, bearing
wide, deep excavation flanked by small incurved spine.
Abdomen spineless, with very shot, fine setae.
Eyestalks relatively wide, short, cornea visible
from above.
Antennal peduncles relatively long, distal 2 seg-
ments each with strong distoventral spine, penulti-
mate slightly shorter; flagellum consisting of 8-10
106 K. BABA

segments; antennal scale slightly falling short of end
of ultimate peduncular segment.
Mxps 1 close to each other but somewhat sepa-
rated. Mxp 3 ischium with obsolescent 15-20 denti-
cles on mesial ridge; bearing 1 or 2 spines lateral to
rounded flexor distal margin. Distolateral spine well
developed on merus and carpus; merus with mesial
margin bearing a few to several spines often small;
carpus with a few small spines somewhat lateral to
extensor margin.
P1 covered with denticular small spines, moder-
ately setose; merus with several large spines in rows.
NEW GENUS OF ANOMURAN CRUSTACEA 107
FIG. 6. – Uroptychodes grandirostris (Yokoya, 1933), ovigerous female neotype (ZLKU 4878): a, carapace and anterior part of abdomen,
setae omitted, dorsal; b, same, lateral; c, excavated sternum and anterior part of sternal plastron, basal segments of Mxps 1 included, ventral;
d, anterior part of sternal plastron, ventral; e, right antennal peduncle, ventral; f, endopod of right Mxp 3, distal segments omitted, lateral; g,
left P1, dorsal; h, left P2, lateral; i, distal segments of same; j, distal segments of left P3, lateral. Scales = 1 mm; scale 1 for g; scale 2 for a,
b; scale 3 for h; scale 4 for d; scale 5 for e, f, i, j; scale 6 for c.

P2 slender, covered with small denticular spines
but rather sparse on propodus, smooth on dactylus;
several spines on extensor margin of merus pro-
nounced and widely distant from one another; car-
pus about three-fourths as long as propodus; flexor
margin of propodus ending in pair of spines preced-
ed by a few smaller spines; dactylus feebly curving
on flexor margin, length more than half that of
108 K. BABA
FIG. 7. – Uroptychodes mortenseni (van Dam, 1939), female (MNHN Ga-4172): a, carapace and anterior part of abdomen, denuded on left
half of carapace and whole abdomen; b, same, abdomen omitted, lateral; c, excavated sternum and anterior part of sternal plastron, part of
appendages included, ventral; d, anterior part of sternal plastron, ventral; e, left antenna, ventral; f, endopod of left Mxp 3, distal segments
omitted, lateral; g, distal segments of right P2, lateral; h, distal segments of left P3, lateral. Scales = 1 mm; scale 1 for a, b; scale 2 for d, f,
g, h; scale 3 for c, e.

propodus. P3-4 wider than P2, spinations of merus
and carpus nearly same as on P2; propodus twice as
long as dactylus, flexor margin ending in pair of
spines preceded by at most 5 spines on P3, fewer on
P4; dactylus terminating in somewhat wide, short
spine, nearly contiguous at base to much wider
penultimate spine preceded by 8-9 successively
diminishing spines, antepenultimate nearly as large
as ultimate.
Eggs: Ova carried about 35 in number, 1.0 mm in
diameter.
Remarks: Yokoya (1933) compared his species
with U.spinimarginatus and defined it as having
narrower carapace lateral spines, as shown in his fig-
ure. As mentioned under the “Remarks” of U. alba-
trossae, the specimen (ZLKU 4881) referred to U.
albatrossae seems to approach Yokoya’s species. On
the other hand, van Dam (1939) re-described one of
the type material of U. grandirostris made available
from Yokoya. However, her illustration clearly indi-
cates much broader lateral spines on the carapace.
Also the specimens reported by Miyake & Baba
(1967) from the East China Sea under U.
grandirostris perfectly fit the description given by
van Dam (1939). Examination of additional speci-
mens listed above discloses the consistency of these
broad spines, a feature of specific importance. If
Yokoya’s illustration is correctly depicted, the type
material of U. grandirostris seems to contain at least
two species. Unfortunately, the type is no longer
extant and the specimen used by van Dam (1939)
could not be located. In addition, there is no indica-
tion of locality for the material illustrated by Yokoya
(1933) and for the material used by van Dam (1939).
In all probability, the material illustrated under U.
grandirostris by Yokoya (1933) will be identical
with U. albatrossae, but there is no way to prove
this. Since van Dam’s account of the species is much
clearer than is Yokoya’s, a neotype is selected for a
specimen that fits the definition of van Dam.
Other than the size difference of the lateral mar-
ginal spines of the carapace, the ultimate spine of
the P2-3 dactyli is slightly narrower than or sube-
qual to the penultimate in U. grandirostris, appar-
ently slender in G. albatrossae.
Uroptychodes mortenseni (van Dam, 1939)
(Fig. 7)
Uroptychus mortenseni Van Dam, 1939: 398, Figs. 3, 3a. Baba,
1988: 38.
Lectotype: Female, ZMUC, Kai Islands Expedition Stn 52, 5º46’S,
132º49’35”E, 532 m (Baba, 1988: 38).
Material examined: Kai Islands, Indonesia; KARUBAR: stn CP 05,
5º49’S, 132º18’E, 296-299 m, 22 Oct. 1991: 1 6.4 mm (MNHN
Ga-4172).
Diagnosis: Body and appendages thickly cov-
ered with very fine setae obscuring spines on legs.
Carapace somewhat convex in profile, with shallow
groove bordering gastric and cardiac regions. Later-
al margins convexly divergent posteriorly; antero-
lateral (first) spine well-developed, followed behind
by 3 or 4 small spines on anterior third of length
(last somewhat smaller than anterolateral), and
again 7 or 8 posteriorly diminishing, relatively nar-
row spines on posterior two-thirds, anterior-most
very strong, last one very small. Rostrum straight
horizontal, dorsally flattened but slightly convex
and spineless. Excavated sternum anteriorly trian-
gular, extending to mid-length of basal segment of
Mxp 1, surface ridged on anterior half; sternite 3
nearly semicircular on anterior margin, with small
median notch. Abdomen spineless. Distal 2 seg-
ments of antennal peduncle subequal in length, with
distinct distoventral spine; antennal scale much
wider than adjacent peduncle, slightly falling short
of end of ultimate segment, laterally setose. Mxps 1
widely separated. Mxp 3 ischium with 2 spines lat-
eral to flexor distal margin; merus with about 5
spines on flexor margin and well-developed disto-
lateral spine. P1 slender, merus and carpus bearing
small spines obscured by setae. P2 merus with
small spines along extensor and flexor margins and
on dorsolateral face; carpus distinctly longer than
propodus, bearing tubercle-like denticles along
extensor margin; dactylus relatively short and mas-
sive, distally narrowed, about half length of propo-
dus, flexor margin spineless. P3-4 with small spines
on merus, not on carpus and propodus; dactylar
flexor margin with row of spines obscured by setae,
ultimate spine slender, penultimate prominent and
very wide basally, preceded by slender, somewhat
inclined spines.
Four longitudinal stripes on carapace continuing
onto abdomen, median two much broader.
Remarks: The species is characterised by the
slender pereopods, the P1 in particular, and dense
pilosity on the entire body and appendages. The eyes
are relatively slender in the type as well as the
“Albatross” material, while the greater part of its
proximal portion is concealed under the rostrum in
the present specimen.
NEW GENUS OF ANOMURAN CRUSTACEA 109

Range: Kai Islands, Manado Bight (northeastern
Sulawesi), and South China Sea off southwestern
Luzon; in 250-366 m.
Uroptychodes musorstomi sp. nov.
(Fig. 8)
Material examined: Southeast New Caledonia; BIOCAL: stn CP
108, 22º03’S, 167º06’E, 335 m, 9 Sept. 1985: 1 3.1 mm (MNHN
Ga-3905). HALIPRO 1: stn CP 851, 21º43’S, 166º37’E, 314-364
m, 19 Mar. 1994: 1 3.2 mm, holotype (MNHN Ga-4313).
Description: Carapace wider than long (widest
portion measured at mid-length of posterior
110 K. BABA
FIG. 8. – Uroptychodes musorstomi sp. nov., female holotype (MNHN Ga-4313): a, carapace, right half denuded, dorsal; b, same, lateral; c,
excavated sternum and anterior part of sternal plastron, part of appendages included, ventral; d, anterior part of sternal plastron, ventral; e,
left antennal peduncle, ventral; f, endopod of right Mxp 3, distal segments omitted, lateral; g, right P1, carpus and other proximal segments
denuded, dorsal; h, right P2, lateral; i, distal segment of same, lateral; j, right P3, lateral; k, distal segment of same, denuded, lateral; l, right
P4, denuded, lateral; m, distal segment of same, denuded, lateral. Scales = 1 mm; scale 1 for g; scale 2 for a, b; scale 3 for h, j, l; scale 4 for
d; scale 5 for c; scale 6 for e, f, i, k, m.

branchial margin), with medially deep transverse
depression or groove dividing it into anterior and
posterior half, covered with short fine setae. Lateral
margins convexly divergent posteriorly but some-
what constricted at anterior third, armed with row of
spines, anterior 5 on anterior third of length (anteri-
or-most (first) anterolateral, fifth more dorsal in
position) and another group of 6-8 posteriorly
diminishing spines followed behind by a few small-
er spines on posterior two-thirds; in paratype, anoth-
er indistinct row of smaller and less numerous
spines between normal lateral row and linea
anomurica. Rostrum covered with fine setae, broad
triangular, as long as remaining carapace, slightly
deflexed, dorsal surface slightly excavated longitu-
dinally; lateral margin with a few denticular spines
distally. Lateral limit of orbit with anterolaterally
directed spine sub-paralleling larger anterolateral
spine of carapace.
Pterygostomian flap covered with small spines,
anterior margin ending in strong spine.
Sternal plastron having lateral extremities con-
vexly divergent posteriorly, but nearly sub-parallel
between sternites 5 and 7. Excavated sternum ante-
riorly triangular, surface with distinct ridge in mid-
line on anterior half. Elevated part of thoracic stern-
ite 3 distinctly depressed below level of following
sternite, anterior margin well excavated, with U-
shaped median notch flanked by very small spine,
anterolateral corner angular. Sternite 4 three times as
wide as anterior margin of preceding sternite,
anterolateral margin with large anterior spine direct-
ed anterolaterad.
Abdomen thickly covered with setae much
longer than those on carapace, unarmed.
Eyestalks short, cornea more than half length of
remaining eyestalk, partly concealed beneath rostrum.
Antennal peduncles having ultimate and penulti-
mate segments subequal in length, each with strong
distal spine; antennal scale reaching opposite end of
ultimate segment excluding spine, slightly wider
than peduncle, distally sharp, lateral margin with
small spine somewhat proximal to mid-length (lack-
ing on right side in holotype); flagellum consisting
of 6 or 7 segments.
Mxps 1 widely separated. Mxp 3 ischium with
small distal spine lateral to rounded flexor distal
margin, mesial ridge with denticles reduced in size
toward distal end of segment. Merus with more or
less stiff setae moderate in density, with prominent
distolateral spine and 2-3 close spines distal to mid-
length of flexor margin. Carpus with distolateral
spine. Basis rounded on mesial margin bearing very
small blunt tubercle at distal fourth.
P1 four times as long as postorbital carapace
length; relatively massive, covered with fine setae.
Merus slightly shorter than carpus in middorsal line,
with about 7 rows of spines. Carpus as long as or
slightly shorter than palm, dorsal surface with
spines, mesial margin with line of spines. Palm dis-
tally somewhat widened. Fingers about 0.6 times as
long as palm, largely or slightly gaping, distally
crossing, opposable margin of fixed finger some-
what produced at point one-fifth or one-third point
from distal end; opposing margin of movable finger
less strongly curved, with pronounced process about
at mid-length.
P2 distinctly more slender than P3-4, covered
with fine setae. Merus with row of spines on exten-
sor margin and a few smaller ones on flexor distal
margin. Carpus relatively long, about half as long as
merus, slightly shorter than propodus (0.82-0.86
times as long), extensor distal margin with small
spine. Propodus curved, barely twice as long as
dactylus; flexor margin with pair of slender distal
spines. Dactylus more slender and strongly incurved
than propodus, distally ending in sharp claw, lacking
spines on flexor margin. P3-4 similar; meri relative-
ly wide, bearing row of sharp spines along whole
length of extensor margin and a few smaller spines
on flexor distal margin. Carpi with row of spines on
extensor margin. Propodus of P3 slightly shorter
than that of P4, flexor margin with pair of slender
distal spines preceded by single similar spine.
Dactylus with slightly curved flexor margin armed
with 8-9 (mostly 9) relatively stout spines sub-per-
pendicular to margin, ultimate slightly more slender
and longer than penultimate, others smaller than
penultimate, diminishing in size toward base of seg-
ment.
Remarks: The fewer spines on the rostral lateral
margin and lack of dorsal spines on the carapace are
also apparent in U. spinimarginatus (Henderson,
18885). However, the new species is distinctive in
having more numerous and smaller spines on the lat-
eral margin of the carapace, the anterolateral spine
being much closer to the lateral orbital spine, the
antennal peduncle having the ultimate segment with
a strong distoventral spine, P2-4 dactyli bearing two
well-developed distal spines and P1 bearing distinct
spines on the merus and carpus.
The new species also strongly resembles U. oku-
tanii Baba, 1981, from which it is distinguished by
NEW GENUS OF ANOMURAN CRUSTACEA 111

P2 dactylus that is massive and slightly curving (its
basal width being slightly less than half length),
instead of being very slender and strongly curving
(the basal width being one-fifth length) in U. oku-
tanii, Mxp 3 carpus that has a distolateral spine
while no such spine in U. okutanii, and the excavat-
ed sternum that is sharp triangular on the anterior
margin, rather than being convex in U. okutanii.
Etymology: Named for the past MUSORSTOM
projects which yielded enormous new findings.
Uroptychodes okutanii (Baba, 1981)
(Fig. 9a)
Uroptychus okutanii Baba, 1981: 113, Figs. 2, 3.
Holotype: Female, NSMT-Cr 6170, E of Hachijo-jima, Japan,
33º00.5’N, 140º03.5’E, 510 m.
Material examined: Female holotype, NSMT-Cr 6170.
Diagnosis: Body covered with short fine setae.
Carapace lateral margins divergent posteriorly,
anterolateral spine of moderate size, followed behind
by 2 small spines on hepatic region, and moderate-
sized spines considerably inclined anteriorly (not sub-
perpendicular to margin) on branchial region. Ros-
trum about as long as remaining carapace, horizontal,
dorsally flattened; lateral margins almost entire or
with hint of denticles distally. Excavated sternum
convexly produced anteriorly, bearing ridge in mid-
line. Sternite 3 depressed well, anterior margin deeply
excavated with deep median notch flanked by small
incurved spine. Sternite 4 setose, anterolateral margin
relatively short, ending in relatively small spine
directed anterolaterad; width less than one-third dis-
tance between anterolateral angles of sternite 3.
Abdomen spineless. Antennal peduncles with strong
distoventral spine on each of distal 2 segments; fla-
gellum consisting of 7 segments, barely reaching end
of rostrum; antennal scale overreaching mid-length of
but falling short of end of ultimate peduncular seg-
ment. Mxps 1 widely separated. Mxp 3 setose, ischi-
um with small spine lateral to rounded flexor distal
margin; merus with 4 small spines on distal half of
flexor margin and distinct distolateral spine. P2 thick-
ly covered with soft fine setae; carpus three-fourths as
long as propodus; dactylus wide relative to length
(basal width one-fifth length), slightly curving, flexor
margin entire. P3-4 not known.
Remarks: The holotype was examined for char-
acters which are missing in the original description
and which are included in the diagnosis of the
species (see above).
Range: Off east coast of Hachijo-jima, 455-510 m.
Uroptychodes spinimarginatus (Henderson, 1885)
(Fig. 9b, c)
Diptychus spinimarginatus Henderson, 1885: 419.
Uroptychus spinimarginatus: Henderson, 1888: 176, pl. 21: Figs. 2,
2a. Baba, 1988: 46, Figs. 18, 19.
Lectotype: Ovigerous female, BM: 1888:33, “Challenger” Stn 170, off
Kermadec Islands, 29º55’S, 178º14’W, 952 m (Baba, 1988: 176).
112 K. BABA
FIG. 9. – a, Uroptychodes okutanii (Baba, 1981), female holotype (NSMT-Cr 6170), excavated sternum and anterior part of sternal plastron,
parts of Mxps included, ventral; b, Uroptychodes spinimarginatus (Henderson, 1885), male 6.5 mm (MNHN Ga-4186), same part; c, same
species, ovigerous female 5.4 mm (MNHN Ga-4582), distal part of right P3, lateral. Scales = 1 mm; scale 1 for b, c; scale 2 for a.

Material examined: Hunter and Matthew Islands; VOLSMAR: stn
DW 5, 22º25.9’S, 171º46.5’E, 700 m, 1 Jun. 1989: 2 ov. 5.3, 5.4
mm (MNHN Ga-4582); BATHUS 3: stn DW 794 23º48’S,
169º49’E, 751-755 m, 26 Nov 1993: 1 5.1 mm, 1 ov. 4.8 mm
(MNHN Ga-3887). Kai Islands, Indonesia; KARUBAR: stn CP 19,
5º15’S, 133º01’E, 605-576 m, on gorgonacean, 25 Oct. 1991: 2 
5.4, 6.5 mm, 1 6.1 mm (MNHN Ga-4186).
Diagnosis: Carapace covered with fine setae,
unarmed on dorsal surface; lateral margin with 5
(rarely 6) strong, somewhat anteriorly inclined spines
lined up at same level in profile on posterior branchial
region, preceded by moderate sized anterolateral
spine followed behind by 2 small spines distinctly
ventral to level of remainder, anterior one usually
larger than posterior. Rostrum with 2-5 small spines
on distolateral margin. Excavated sternum anteriorly
broad, triangular, ending in sharp or blunt tip, surface
with distinct ridge anteriorly diminishing. Abdomen
unarmed. Antennal peduncles having penultimate
segment with small distoventral spine, ultimate
unarmed; antennal scale terminating in or slightly
overreaching mid-length of adjacent ultimate seg-
ment; flagellum of 8-9 segments, barely reaching end
of rostrum. Mxps 1 widely separated. Mxp 3 ischium
with 1-3 small spines lateral to rounded flexor distal
margin, mesial ridge with obsolescent denticles; dis-
tolateral spine on merus and carpus small or obsoles-
cent; merus with 3 or 4 small spines on distal half of
flexor margin. P1 with setiferous scale-like ridges
each bearing denticular tooth on dorsal surface but
often obsolescent; no pronounced spines. P2-4 very
setose. P2 carpus slightly shorter than propodus even
in large specimens (0.77-0.84 times as long); no dis-
tinct spine on these segments. P3-4 having meri and
carpi with relatively small spines on extensor margin;
propodi ending in pair of spines on flexor margin;
dactyli ending in slender spine (ultimate) preceded by
stout, broader penultimate and other 7-9 slender flex-
or marginal spines.
Eggs: Number of eggs carried, 16-20; 1.1-1.2
mm in diameter.
Remarks: The antennal scales in the KARUBAR
material are about the same as in the “Albatross”
specimen, overreaching mid-length of but falling far
short of the end of the ultimate peduncular segment;
the anterior median excavation is slightly wider. The
specimens from Hunter and Matthew Islands are
very much like the type material (Baba, 1988: 46),
the anterior median notch of the sternite 3 being less
pronounced or absent. No additional characters of
systematic importance were noted.
Range: Off Kermadec Islands, south of the
Philippines, Palawan Passage, Kai Islands, and
Hunter and Matthew Islands; between 576-605 and
952 m.
Uroptychodes spinulifer (van Dam, 1940)
(Fig. 10)
Uroptychus spinulifer Van Dam, 1940: 100, Fig. 3. Baba, 1988: 48,
Fig. 20.
Holotype: Female, ZMA De. 101.669, Java Sea, 5º39’ S, 111º19’ E,
68-71 m.
Material examined: Kai Islands, Indonesia; KARUBAR: stn CP 16,
5º17’S, 132º50’E, 315-349 m, on crinoid, 24 Oct. 1991: 1 5.6
mm (MNHN Ga-4185).
Diagnosis: Carapace and rostrum (even on ven-
tral surface) covered with small spines and short,
relatively stiff setae. Anterolateral spine of cara-
pace sharp and moderate in size, curving somewhat
anterolaterad, close to and sub-paralleling lateral
orbital spine; 6 or 7 strong spines on branchial mar-
gin. Rostrum much longer than remaining cara-
pace, spinose like carapace, lateral margin with
more than 10 small spines. Excavated sternum
anteriorly triangular, sharply produced forward,
surface cristate in midline; sternite 3 having anteri-
or margin widely U-shaped, with deep median
notch flanked by small spine. Abdominal somites 1
and 2 with small spines. Antennal peduncles hav-
ing distal 2 segments with unusually strong dis-
toventral spine, one on penultimate segment in par-
ticular, and even mesial marginal spines; antennal
scale overreaching opposite end of peduncle, bear-
ing lateral spines. Mxps 1 nearly contiguous at
base. Mxps 3 also very spinose on merus and car-
pus; ischium with well-developed distal spine lat-
eral to rounded distal margin of flexor margin;
merus and carpus each with strong distolateral
spine; sharp spines on flexor margin of merus and
extensor margin of carpus. P2 covered with sharp,
somewhat curved spines; carpus much longer than
propodus; propodus less spinose; dactylus spine-
less. P4 covered with spines, those on meri and
carpi much pronounced on extensor margins, less
so on flexor margin; propodus with flexor margin
ending in pair of spines; dactylar flexor margin
having wide and stout penultimate spine preceded
by 6 slender spines , ultimate somewhat larger than
antepenultimate.
Remarks: In the specimen examined, P1 and P3
are missing; P4 is more strongly and numerously
NEW GENUS OF ANOMURAN CRUSTACEA 113

spinous than in the type and “Albatross” material;
the antennal spination is also much more pro-
nounced (the distoventral spines of the distal two
segments are stronger, that of the penultimate seg-
ment in particular); extra lateral marginal spines on
the antennal scale; P2 has the propodus much short-
er than the carpus.
The specimen examined was associated with an
unidentified crinoid, a case being very rare among
chirostylids, which are usually symbionts of gorg-
onacean or antipatharian corals. The only available
record for crinoid-chirostylid association is Uropty-
chus capillatus Benedict, 1902 and a comatulid
Crinometra brevipinna (Pourtalès) from Bahamas
(Rice and Miller, 1991).
Range: Java Sea and Molucca Sea off west coast
of Halmahera, between 68-71 m and 315-349 m.
Key to species of Uroptychodes
1. Carapace covered with denticles or small spines
......................................................................... 2
– Carapace dorsally spineless or bearing denticular
spines on anterior portion ............................... 3
2. Abdominal segments unarmed; excavated
sternum produced forward, reaching end of Mxp
1 basal segment........ U. benedicti (Baba, 1977)
–Abdominal segments 1-2 with small spines;
excavated sternum sharp triangular, terminating
in mid-length of Mxp 1 basal segment ...............
114 K. BABA
FIG. 10. – Uroptychus spinulifer (van Dam, 1940), female (MNHN Ga-4185): a, carapace and anterior part of abdomen, dorsal, setae omit-
ted from left half; b, anterolateral part of carapace, showing lateral limit of orbit, left, dorsal; c, excavated sternum and anterior part of ster-
nal plastron, parts of Mxps included, ventral; d, left antenna, ventral; e, endopod of right Mxp 3, distal segments omitted, lateral; f, distal part
of right P4, lateral. Scales = 1 mm; scale 1 for a; scale 2 for b; scale 3 for c, e; scale 4 for d, f.

........................... U. spinulifer (van Dam, 1940)
3. Rostral lateral margin with more than 5 small
spines .............................................................. 4
–Rostral lateral margin with a few denticular
spines distally or nearly smooth ..................... 6
4. Rostrum having lateral margin with 5-6 small
spines, dorsal surface lacking denticles ..............
..............................................U. barunae sp. nov.
–Rostrum having lateral margin with more than 9
small spines, dorsal surface with numerous
denticles ........................................................... 5
5. Branchial marginal spines of carapace very broad
(basal width of largest spine two-thirds length),
nearly contiguous to one another at base ............
....................... U. grandirostris (Yokoya, 1933)
–Branchial marginal spines of carapace slender
(basal width of largest spine distinctly less than
half length), separated from one another by their
basal width .......... U. albatrossae (Baba, 1988)
6. Carapace with spine behind lateral orbital spine
(on lateral portion of anterior gastric region) .....
.......................................... U. epigaster sp. nov.
–Carapace spineless on dorsal surface ............. 7
7. P2 carpus distinctly longer than propodus .........
........................ U. mortenseni (van Dam, 1939)
–P2 carpus slightly shorter than propodus ........ 8
8. Branchial marginal spines 5 in number, very
strong .... U. spinimarginatus (Henderson, 1885)
–Branchial marginal spines 8-9 in number, very
small ............................................................... 9
9. P2 dactylus wide relative to length (basal width
slightly less than half length); excavated sternum
convexly produced anteriorly between left and
right Mxps 1; Mxp 3 carpus lacking distolateral
spine........................... U. okutanii (Baba, 1981)
–P2 dactylus very slender (basal width one-fifth
length); excavated sternum sharp triangular
between left and right Mxps 1; Mxp 3 carpus
with distinct distolateral spine ............................
........................................U. musorstomi sp. nov.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I thank Alain Crosnier of the Muséum National
d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, for his help and support.
Thanks are also due to Paul Clark of the Natural
History Museum, London, Rafael Lemaitre of the
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., Masat-
sune Takeda of the National Science Museum,
Tokyo, and Kyoichiro Ueda of the Kitakyushu
Museum of Natural History, Kitakyushu, for loans
of type and comparative materials in their respective
institutions. The manuscript benefited from discus-
sions with A. Crosnier and constructive comments
from Enrique Macpherson of the Centro de Estudios
Avanzados de Blanes, Gerona. The English text was
read by Colin L. McLay of the University of Can-
terbury, Christchurch. This work, part of the
MUSORSTOM projects, was carried out during my
visits to the Laboratoire de Biologie des Invertebrés
marins et Malacologie, Muséum National d’Histoire
Naturelle, Paris, supported by grants from the Insti-
tut de Recherche pour le Développement in 1998
and 1999, and from the Muséum National d’Histoire
Naturelle in 2000 and 2001.
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116 K. BABA