A DEEP-SEA LOBSTER OF THE GENUS PUERULUS (CRUST ACEA: DECAPODA: P ALINURIDAE) FROM TAIWAN

Abstract

The occurrence of Puerulus lobsters (family Palinuridae) in Taiwanese waters is reported for the first time. One species is recognized, namely Puent/us angulatus (Bate, 1888). This deep-sea spiny lobster is rather rare and is caught off the north-eastern coast at the depth of 180-350 m together with Metanephrops lobsters by "baby" shrimp trawlers. A brief description and color illustration of this species are provided for its identification. The morphological differences between the sexes in this lobster is also discussed.