Holthuis, 1960
Diagnosis:
Fourth segment of antenna with 7 teeth on the outer margin (apical tooth not included). Squamiform tubercles on upper surface of carapace blunt and appressed. The posterior of the two lateral teeth of the carapace before the cervical incision smaller than the first. Legs short and robust. The transverse groove which separates two parts of the abdominal somites is narrow and filled with many short hairs. The median carinae of the second and third abdominal somites are usually almost level with the surface of the somites. Anterior part of the second to fifth abdominal somites, which disappears under the previous somite when the abdomen is fully stretched, carries distinct tubercles.
Type:
Type locality: "Ile des Pins", New Caledonia Holotype female in RMNH, no. D 14506.
Geographical Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific region: Queensland, Australia; New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands; New Hebrides; Fiji Islands; Samoa.
Habitat and Biology:
In shallow water on reefs, usually on the exposed side, often in surge channels. The animals hide in crevices and marine caves in the day time, often attached to the ceilings of the caves.
Size:
The carapace length varies between 4.5 and 8 cm; maximum total body length is about 18 cm.
Interest to Fisheries:
The species is caught by divers with gloved hands (George, 1971: 4). They are eaten and found on the local markets, where they are sold fresh. According to George (1971:9) in Samoa the species is "not in demand by the hotel trade".