(Lund, 1793)
Diagnosis:
The transverse groove which separates the anterior from the posterior part of the abdominal somites and which in the fully stretched animal forms the anteriormost part of the visible portion of the somites, is wide and naked, bearing at most a few hairs and tubercles in the median area. The anterior part of the second to third abdominal somites, situated before the just-mentioned groove, bears distinct tubercles. The median carinae of the second and third abdominal somites elevated. The lateral margin of the fourth segment of the antenna as a rule bears 6 teeth (exclusive the apical tooth). The two lateral teeth before the cervical incision are of almost equal size.
Type:
Type locality of Scyllarus antarcticus: not cited in the original publication, but by the lectotype selection of the specimen figured by Rumphius (1705) (see Holthuis, 1956: 111) it is restricted to Amboina, Moluccas, Indonesia. Type specimen no longer extant.
Type locality of Cancer (Astacus) ursus major: "Das Vaterland ist Japan", through Herbst's references to Rumphius (1705) and Seba (1759), Amboina also belongs to the type localities, and through the lectotype selection for this species by Holthuis (1956: 111) of the animal figured by Rumphius, Amboina has become the restricted type locality.
The lectotype specimen of C. ursus major being the same as that of S. antarcticus the two names are objective synonyms. Herbst's own paratype is no longer extant.
Type locality of Scyllarus carinatus Guilding: "in mari Caribeo", probably near St. Vincent. Depository of type unknown.
Type locality of Ibacus ciliatus Guilding: "in Caribeo mari", probably near St. Vincent. Depository of type unknown.
Type locality of Ibacus parrae: "les Antilles", restricted to Cuba by Holthuis (1985:73); 2 syntypes in MP, nos Pa 409 and 465, dry, in good condition.
Type locality of P. antarcticus carinatus: "Südsee" (South Pacific). Holotype male in ZMH.
Type locality of Parribacus papyraceus: "South coast of Molokai Island", Hawaiian Archipelago. Lectotype male in USNM, no. 30265
Type locality of Cancer barffi: "On the barrier reef at Tautira", Tahiti. Depository of type unknown.
Geographical Distribution:
Western Atlantic region: from Florida to N.E Brazil (Bahia), including the West Indian islands and the mainland coast of the Caribbean Sea. Indo-West Pacific region: E. and S.E. Africa to Hawaii and Polynesia.
Habitat and Biology:
Taken at depths from 0 to 20 m; in coral or stone reefs with a sandy bottom. The species is nocturnal and in the daytime hides in crevices, sometimes in small groups.
Size:
Carapace lengths between 2 and 9 cm; maximum total length about 20 cm.
Interest to Fisheries:
The species is of excellent taste and eaten where it occurs. It is usually hunted at night on the reefs with torch light. The animals are taken with dipnets or speared or taken by hand. There is no special fishery for it on a commercial scale, but it is sometimes taken in nets set for spiny lobsters. Although its taste is usually highly praised and considered better than that of other lobsters, the species is considered too small and the abdomen to flat to become of commercial interest. It is sold fresh or cooked and used for local consumption. At Phuket Island, Thailand, specimens, mounted in fancy glass cases, are occasionally sold to tourists.