A new Munidopsis (Crustacea: Decapoda: Galatheidae) associated with gorgonian corals from the deep waters off Taiwan

Abstract

Munidopsis sarissa, a new galatheid crustacean associated with gorgonian corals, is described from Taiwan at depths of about 1000 m. This new species is unique in the genus by having an extremely spinose carapace with elongated spearhead-like rostrum, fourth thoracic sternite much larger than following sternites, and very long and slender chelipeds possessing broad coxae which are clearly visible from the dorsal view of the animal.