CRUSTACEA : Decapoda : PolybiidaeCRABS, SHRIMPS AND LOBSTERS

Bathynectes longipes (Risso, 1816)


 image: batlon
Bathynectes longipes

Description: The carapace of this crab is broader than it is long and coloured brilliant red-reddy brown, sometimes with darker patches. Two very small teeth between the eyes, these may be hard to notice as they are usually quite indistinct. Pronounced cervical groove on carapace and some smaller ridges present. Teeth at the side of the carapace are curved strongly forward and vary in size, the fifth being especially pointed and prominent. The first and second teeth are rounded. Pincers unequal in size, the smaller of the two usually has some ridging while the larger pincer does not. Last set of legs wider than the other sets and ends in a pointed oval shape.

Habitat: Found in depths of 28 m to around 90 m.

Distribution: Scarcely recorded in Britain or Ireland

Similar Species: Unlikely to be confused with any other species.

Key Identification Features:

  • Distinctive bright red to red-brown colouration.
  • Two barely distinguishable teeth between the eyes.
  • First two teeth at the side of carapace rounded, third and fourth pointed, fifth teeth especially prominent and pointed.
  • Unequal pincers.

Distribution Map from NBN: Bathynectes longipes at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Bathynectes longipes at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Bathynectes longipes at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Bathynectes longipes (Risso, 1816). AphiaID: 107376.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Arthropoda; Crustacea; Multicrustacea; Malacostraca; Eumalacostraca; Eucarida; Decapoda; Pleocyemata; Brachyura; Eubrachyura; Heterotremata; Portunoidea; Polybiidae; Bathynectes

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 Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C. (2024). Bathynectes longipes. (Risso, 1816). [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland.
https://www2.habitas.org.uk/marbiop-ni/speciesaccounts.php?item=S26610. Accessed on 2024-07-07