Neolithodes bronwynae
Species of king crab
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Neolithodes bronwynae, commonly known as the rock crab,[3][4] is a species of king crab that is found in the West Pacific.[5]
| Neolithodes bronwynae | |
|---|---|
| |
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Suborder: | Pleocyemata |
| Infraorder: | Anomura |
| Family: | Lithodidae |
| Genus: | Neolithodes |
| Species: | N. bronwynae |
| Binomial name | |
| Neolithodes bronwynae | |
Description
Neolithodes bronwynae is deep-red in colour and has a pyriform carapace having been measured as large as 220.0 mm (8.66 in) in length and 155.9 mm (6.14 in) in width.[6] The dorsal surfaces of its carapace, chelipeds, and walking legs are covered in long, slender spines with granules inbetween.[7] Long spines cover its second abdominal segment, while the rest are covered in spines or nodules.[8]
Description
Neolithodes bronwynae has been found in the Whakatane Seamount in the Bay of Plenty, the Lord Howe Rise near Lord Howe Island, eastern Australia, and possibly New Caledonia.[9][10] In 2025, it was identified in the Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain's Koko Guyot and Yuryaku Seamount.[11] It has been found at depths of 1,245–2,643 metres (4,085–8,671 ft).[11][12]
Taxonomy
Neolithodes bronwynae was described in 2010 by carcinologist Shane T. Ahyong from a male holotype taken from the Whakatane Seamount.[13] Its specific name, "bronwynae", is after Bronwyn Ahyong.[8] It most closely resembles N. vinogradovi and N. duhameli.[8]
