Holthuis, 1963
Diagnosis:
Antennular plate with four spines. Third maxilliped without exopod.
Abdominal somites with a large pubescent area on each half of the dorsal surface, without transverse groove.
Colour: frontal horns with irregular transverse bands above, whitish below. The normal eyespot present in anterior half of abdominal somites above base of pleura, not accompanied by a light streak. Pleura without spots, but with white line along posterior margin. Tail fan of the same colour as the rest of the abdomen. Carapace without peculiar marbling near bases of frontal horns. Legs longitudinally streaked.
Type:
Type locality of Panulirus stimpsoni: "Hong Kong". Holotype female in RMNH, no. D 3541.
Type locality indication of Palinurus godeffroyi: "Südsee" [ = Pacific Ocean], indication probably incorrect. Holotype male in ZMH, no. 8005.
Geographical Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific region. Coast of southern China between Shanghai and Shantou (= Swatow); Hong Kong; Taiwan. Recently also found in the Gulf of Thailand off Chonburi province.
Habitat and Biology:
The species seems to inhabit rocky areas in shallow water.
Size:
Known carapace lengths: 6.5 to 10.5 cm (males), and 5 to 6.5 cm (females). The corresponding total body lengths are about 16 to 28 cm (males), and 13 to 16 cm (females).
Interest to Fisheries:
The species is of commercial interest notwithstanding its relatively small size. Caught throughout its range, mostly with tangle nets, rarely by lobster traps. Sold fresh on local markets. In Hongkong, it is mainly caught in February/March and August/September. The species is reared and cultured in China (Liu, 1986: 44).