Chan and Yu, 1987
Diagnosis:
Carapace smooth between the ridges and large spines. Chela of first pereiopod with large spines, heavily ridged and spinulose. Prominent basal spine on outer edge of movable finger of large chela. Surface of abdominal tergites conspicuously sculptured, without dorsomedian carina. Fifth abdominal somite without distinct spines on carina separating tergite from pleuron.
Type:
Type locality: "Ta-Chi, I-Lan Country", off north east coast of Taiwan, 180-400 m, bottom mud or sand. Holotype male and paratypes in NTOU; paratypes in RMNH.
Geographical Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific region. Only known so far from the north-east and the south coasts of Taiwan.
Habitat and Biology:
Depth range from 150 to 400 m, mostly around 250 m; bottom: mud or sand. Spawning time seems to be in late autumn.
Size:
The known males have a total body length of 5 to 12 cm, the females, 5 to 9.5 cm; an ovigerous female measured 8.5 cm. Most specimens are 6 to 9 cm long. Carapace length: 1.8-4.1 cm (males), 1.7-4.8 cm (females), 3.1-4.0 cm (ovigerous females).
Interest to Fisheries:
The species is "mainly caught by baby shrimp trawlers" (Chan and Yu, 1987:183) and sold fresh at the local markets where the price is rather high. The animals are caught throughout the year, but the catch is unstable and not large.