(Latreille, 1804)
Diagnosis:
Antennular plate with 2 widely separated large spines. Exopod of third maxilliped reduced, without flagellum. No pubescent area on the abdominal somites behind the transverse groove. Anterior margin of pleura of abdominal somite two without distinct teeth. Transverse groove of abdominal somites with straight margins, not crenulated. Transverse grooves of abdominal somites 2 to 4 join the groove along the anterior margin of the corresponding pleuron.
Colour: body, especially abdomen with dark purple with numerous very conspicuous rounded whitish spots. Also legs spotted on carpus, merus and ischium, without streaks there; propodus longitudinally striped.
Type:
Type locality: "dans les mers des Grandes-Indes". Through the lectotype selection by Holthuis (1959: 126) the type locality is restricted to Suriname. Whereabouts of lectotype unknown In MP are two dry specimens of this species (nos. Pa 440 and Pa 441) in a reasonable condition, labelled "Antilles", which may be syntypes.
Geographical Distribution:
Western Atlantic: Bermuda, Bahamas, South Florida, Belize, Panama, Caribbean Arc from Cuba to Trinidad, Curaçao, Bonaire, Los Roques, Suriname.
Habitat and Biology:
A shallow water species, inhabiting rocky areas, mainly in crevices.
Size:
Maximum total body length about 20 cm, commonly to 15 cm
Interest to Fisheries:
The species is taken throughout its range, but rather incidentally; there is no special fisher for it. It is taken by hand or speared and occasionally caught in traps, mostly those set for other species. Marketed fresh and mostly used for local consumption.