The Rare Lobster Genus Palinustus A. Milne Edwards, 1880 (Decapoda: Palinuridae), With Description of a New Species

Abstract

The species of the rare spiny lobster genus Palinustus A. Milne Edwards, 1880, are reviewed, based on a total of 54 specimens. Although the characteristics used previously to separate the species are rather variable, all 4 named species are nevertheless considered to be valid; with P. truncatus A. Milne Edwards, 1880, restricted to the western Atlantic, P. mossambicus Barnard, 1926, known only with certainty from the eastern coast of Africa, while both P. waguensis Kubo, 1963, and P. unicornutus Berry, 1979, are widely distributed in the Indo-West-Pacific. A new species, P. holthuisi, is found in Taiwan and Japan. The distinguishing characteristics of all the species are described in detail, together with line drawings and photographs. The different species have distinct coloration and color photographs of live or fresh specimens are provided where possible. A key to the species is given for their identification.