Holthuis, 1963
Diagnosis:
Behind gastric spine of carapace a longitudinal row of three single spinules present. Denticles on outer margin of last segment of antenna large (relative to those of A. guineensis). Sculpturation of abdomen very distinct, the naked elevated parts distinct and separated by narrow hairy grooves. The median figures with broad lateral lobes. Naked area along posterior margin of somites 2-5 occupying almost half the length of the somites. Legs slender, propodus of second leg about five to six times as long as wide. Propodus, carpus and merus of second to fifth legs each with coloured band.
Type:
Type locality: "reef near Coconut Island, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii". Holotype male in RMNH, no D.17700.
Geographical Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific region: western Indian Ocean (Mauritius, Réunion), New Caledonia, Hawaiian Islands, Easter Island Johnson (1971: 98, fig. 88-92) described larvae from east of Johnston Island. The larvae reported by Michel (1971: 467) from the New Caledonia-New Hebrides area and from the Tuamotu Islands as A. antipodarum, might well belong to the present species.
Habitat and Biology:
Depth range from 5 to 50 m; it is found on the outer edges of coral reefs. The animals are nocturnal and hide in the daytime in cavities in the rocks. They seem to be scavengers and feed on detritus.
Size:
Total body length up to 17 cm; carapace length about 1.5 to 6 cm.
Interest to Fisheries:
Minor, as the species is so rare and difficult to obtain. Therefore it is of little importance as food. But the aquarium trade has discovered that "when imported, their bright colours (for a slipper lobster) and unusual form make them popular and expensive novelties" (1984, Tropical Fish Hobbyist, 32(6): 6).