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Article

On a Remarkable New Genus and Species of Alpheid Shrimps (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Caridea) from the Tropical Western Atlantic †

by
Arthur Anker
Departamento de Ecologia, Zoologia e Genética, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário Capão do Leão, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
†
Zoobank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:17E0DF58-D489-48F7-AE44-9E9DF251F254.
Arthropoda 2023, 1(4), 398-414; https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda1040016
Submission received: 11 August 2023 / Revised: 6 September 2023 / Accepted: 14 September 2023 / Published: 18 October 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alpha-Level Taxonomy of Decapod Crustaceans)
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Synalpheopsis gen. nov. is established for a remarkable new alpheid species, Synalpheopsis laureae sp. nov., presently known only from the male holotype collected at 111–162 m east of La Désirade, Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles. Synalpheopsis gen. nov. peculiarly combines features of two genera, Alpheopsis Coutière, 1897 and Synalpheus Spence Bate, 1888; however, it is presumably closer to the former genus. The new genus is characterised by the moderately developed orbital hoods, well-developed rostrum and orbital teeth, sixth pleonite without articulated flap, tip of the third maxilliped with crown of spiniform setae, chelipeds with two strong teeth on distolateral margin and lacking snapping mechanism on finger cutting edges, and gill formula without mastigobranchs and setobranchs.

1. Introduction

The alpheid shrimp fauna of the western Atlantic is composed largely by species of Alpheus Fabricius, 1798 [1] and Synalpheus Spence Bate, 1888 [2]. These two genera combined account for more than 75% of the alpheid diversity in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and Brazil (e.g., Chace 1972 [3]; Dardeau 1984 [4]; Christoffersen 1998 [5]; Ríos & Duffy 2007 [6]; Felder et al. 2009 [7]; Anker et al. 2012 [8]; De Grave & Anker 2017 [9]; Poupin 2018 [10]). Other important alpheid genera in this part of the Atlantic Ocean are Salmoneus Holthuis, 1955, Alpheopsis Coutière, 1897, Leptalpheus Williams, 1965 and Automate De Man, 1888, each with at least three species (Chace 1972 [3]; Wicksten 1984 [11]; Felder & Manning 1986 [12]; Anker et al. 2006a [13]; Anker 2007a [14], 2010a [15], 2011a [16], 2011b [17], 2017 [18], 2020 [19]; De Grave & Anker 2017 [10]; Poupin 2018 [11]; Vera Caripe et al. 2021 [20]).
The remaining alpheid genera of the western Atlantic are represented in the region by only one or two species: Metalpheus Coutière, 1908 (one species, however, genus nested within Alpheus—see Anker et al. 2006b [21]; Hurt et al. 2021 [22]); Fenneralpheus Felder & Manning, 1986 (two species); Harperalpheus Felder & Anker, 2007 (one species); Coutieralpheus Anker & Felder, 2005 (monotypic); Pseudalpheopsis Anker, 2007 (monotypic); Leslibetaeus Anker, Poddoubtchenko & Wehrtmann, 2006 (one species); Potamalpheops Powell, 1979 (two species, one of them in freshwater caves); Parabetaeus Coutière, 1897 (one species); Prionalpheus Banner & Banner, 1960 (one species); Mohocaris Holthuis, 1973 (monotypic); and Athanas Leach, 1814 (two species, both introduced) (Holthuis 1973 [23]; Felder & Manning 1986 [12]; Martínez-Iglesias & Carvacho 1991 [24]; Anker & Felder 2005 [25]; Felder & Anker 2007 [26]; Anker 2007b [27], 2011c [28]; Pachelle et al. 2011 [29]; Anker & De Grave 2012 [30]; Almeida et al. 2012 [31]; Soledade et al. 2014 [32]). Four genera, namely, Fenneralpheus, Coutieralpheus, Pseudalpheopsis, and Mohocaris, are presently known only from the western Atlantic (Holthuis 1973 [23]; Felder & Manning 1986 [12]; Anker & Felder 2005 [25]; Anker 2007b [27], 2011a [16]). Two further genera, namely, Leslibetaeus and Harperalpheus, have a transisthmian distribution, with one species in the western Atlantic and one species in the eastern Pacific (Anker et al. 2006c [33]; Anker 2011d [34]; Anker & Lazarus 2017 [35]). Each of the type species of the three monotypic genera Coutieralpheus, Pseudalpheopsis, and Mohocaris, as well as the western Atlantic species of Leslibetaeus, are known from only one or two type specimens and have not been recorded since their original descriptions. Similarly, Harperalpheus, Prionalpheus, and Fenneralpheus are each known from very few (sometimes only two) specimens (Felder & Anker 2007 [26]; Anker 2011b [17]; Anker & De Grave 2012 [30]; De Grave & Anker 2017 [10]). This brief account of the diversity of the western Atlantic alpheid fauna shows that monotypic endemic genera (i.e., restricted to western Atlantic) and transisthmian genera (i.e., restricted to western Atlantic and eastern Pacific) with low diversity are exceedingly rare. Thus, further new alpheid lineages, especially in deeper water and/or associated with larger burrowing animals, are expected to be discovered.
During the KARUBENTHOS 2 expedition in June 2015 (see Acknowledgements), a single specimen of a peculiar alpheid shrimp was dredged at a depth of 111–162 m east of the small island La Désirade, part of the Guadeloupe Archipelago, Lesser Antilles. The body of the specimen was largely intact, except for the detached chelipeds. Only one (right) cheliped was found in the vial together with the body; however, the same size of the right and left coxae led to the assumption that the chelipeds of this alpheid were probably equal or at least subequal in size. The unique and remarkable combination of morphological features of this specimen leaves no doubt that it belongs to a completely new lineage within the Alpheidae. Therefore, a new alpheid genus is established to accommodate the below described new species. Unfortunately, no colour photo of the specimen was taken after its collection, as “species of small size, i.e., with a total length of less than 1–2 cm, were usually not photographed during the expedition because of lack of time” (Poupin & Corbari 2016 [36]).
The holotype of the new species is deposited in the collections of the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (MNHN). The carapace length (cl) and total length (tl) were measured from the tip of the rostrum to the posterior margin of the carapace and the telson, respectively. Abbreviations used in the text include A1—antennule; Mxp—maxilliped; P—pereiopod.

2. Taxonomy

Family Alpheidae Rafinesque, 1815
Genus Synalpheopsis gen. nov.
Diagnosis. Body not compressed, moderately slender. Carapace without armature on dorsal or lateral surfaces. Rostrum well developed, with acute tip; dorsal carina present; ventral carina unarmed. Orbital hoods moderately swollen; orbital teeth well developed, sharp. Pterygostomial angle bluntly protruding. First to fifth pleonites distoventrally rounded or bluntly angular; sixth pleonite without articulated plate. Telson moderately slender, with two pairs of spiniform setae on dorsal surface; posterior margin rounded, with two pairs of spiniform setae; anal tubercles absent. Eyes well developed, concealed dorsally and laterally. Antennular peduncle moderately slender; stylocerite well developed, overreaching distal margin of first article of peduncle, distally acute, with small blunt process near dorsomesial margin; ventromesial carina with sharp tooth; lateral flagellum with accessory ramus largely fused to main ramus. Antenna with basicerite moderately stout, armed with sharp tooth; scaphocerite with well-developed blade and distolateral tooth; carpocerite slender, reaching beyond scaphocerite. Mouthparts typical for family. Mandible with two-articulated palp; molar and incisor processes well developed. Third maxilliped with well-developed exopod; coxa with small, acutely produced lateral plate; antepenultimate article with distodorsal spiniform seta; tip of ultimate article with crown of stout spiniform setae. First pereiopods (chelipeds) probably equal or subequal in size, of unknown degree of asymmetry, carried extended with dactylus in dorsolateral position; ischium with dorsal and ventral margins distally armed with spiniform setae; merus with dorsal and ventromesial margins armed with spiniform setae, dorsal margin ending in strong sharp tooth, ventrolateral margin distally armed with two strong sharp teeth; carpus short, cup-shaped, without comb-like rows of setae on mesial surface; chela not particularly enlarged or swollen, palm somewhat crenulated, with spiniform seta on ventral margin and large, sharp, distodorsal tooth reaching beyond base of dactylus; fingers subequal to palm, cutting edges armed with low, blunt teeth, without snapping mechanism; adhesive discs absent. Second pereiopod moderately slender; coxa with spiniform seta ventrally; ischium unarmed; carpus with five subdivisions; chela not especially modified, with tufts of simple setae. Third, fourth, and fifth pereiopods slender; merus and ischium unarmed; propodus with slender spiniform setae, grooming brush of fifth pereiopod well developed; dactylus moderately slender, biunguiculate. Second male pleopod with appendix masculina exceeding appendix interna and reaching beyond endopod. Uropodal exopod and endopod not modified; diaeresis sinuous, with small lateral tooth adjacent to stout distolateral spiniform seta. Gill-exopod formula is presented in Table 1.
Type species. Synalpheopsis laureae sp. nov., by present designation and monotypy.
Etymology. The name of the new alpheid genus is a combination of two other generic names, Synalpheus and Alpheopsis, referring to a series of morphological features shared with both genera (see below); gender: feminine.
Distribution. Presently known only from the tropical western Atlantic.
Remarks. Synalpheopsis gen. nov. uniquely combines morphological features of Alpheopsis with those of Synalpheus. All features shared between Synalpheopsis gen. nov. and each of these two genera are not exclusive synapomorphic characters, i.e., most of them are variously present in other alpheid genera. The four most important features of the new genus shared with many species of Alpheopsis are: (i) the general shape of the cheliped(s), with the presence of spiniform setae on the ischium and merus, and simple teeth on the finger cutting edges; (ii) the ventromesial carina of the first article of the antennular peduncle armed with a sharp tooth; (iii) the second pereiopod chela with tufts of simple setae; and (iv) the male second pleopod with a well-developed appendix masculina (e.g., Banner 1953 [37]; Anker et al. 2005 [38]; Anker 2015a [39], 2017 [18]). The presence of these features in Synalpheopsis gen. nov. immediately separates the new genus from Synalpheus, which is characterised by (i) the presence of a powerful snapping mechanism (plunger + fossa) on the major chela; (ii) the ventromesial carina of the first article of the antennular peduncle being unarmed; (iii) the second pereiopod chela bearing short brushes of thickened, stiff setae; and (iv) the second pleopod of both sexes lacking appendix masculina (e.g., Coutière 1899 [40], 1905 [41]; Dardeau 1984 [4]; Ríos & Duffy 2007 [6]). On the other hand, Synalpheopsis gen. nov. shares with Synalpheus four important characters: (i) the well-developed, moderately swollen orbital hoods; (ii) the absence of a subtriangular articulated plate on the sixth pleonite; (iii) the absence of mastigobranches on the coxae of the third maxilliped and all pereiopods (+ absence of setobranches on all pereiopods); and (iv) the tip of the third maxilliped armed with a crown of stout spiniform setae (present in most species of Synalpheus) (e.g., Coutière 1899 [40]; Dardeau 1984 [4]; Ríos & Duffy 2007 [6]). Using these four features, Synalpheopsis gen. nov. can be separated from Alpheopsis, in which (i) the orbital hoods are not noticeably swollen; (ii) the sixth pleonite has a subtriangular articulate plate; (iii) the mastigobranches are present on the coxae of the third maxilliped to the third or fourth pereiopods (with setobranches present accordingly on the coxae of the first to fourth or fifth pereiopods); and (iv) the tip of the third maxilliped ends in a corneous point, sometimes armed with one or two small, subdistal, or distal spiniform setae (Anker et al. 2005 [38]; Anker 2015a [39], 2017 [18]). In addition, in both Synalpheopsis gen. nov. and Synalpheus, the ischium of the third and fourth pereiopods is unarmed, whereas in most species of Alpheopsis, it is armed with one or two spiniform seta(e) (Banner 1953 [37]; Dardeau 1984 [4]; Anker 2001 [42]; Anker et al. 2005 [38], 2012 [8]; Anker 2015a [39], 2017 [18]). The presence of well-developed, sharp orbital teeth in the new genus is shared with some species of Alpheopsis (A. trispinosa (Stimpson, 1860) group) and many species of Synalpheus (e.g., Anker et al. 2005 [38], 2012 [8]).
Synalpheopsis gen. nov. also has two autapomorphic features, which are unique within the Alpheidae. The distal armature of the ventrolateral margin of the cheliped merus, which consists of two very stout and sharp teeth, is not present in this form in any other alpheid shrimp. The presence of a minute blunt process near the dorsomesial margin of the antennular stylocerite seems to be present only in Synalpheopsis gen. nov., although due to its small size, this process may have been overlooked in other alpheid genera. Other morphological features, not exclusive to the new genus, but adding to its distinctiveness, are: (i) the lateral antennular flagellum with the accessory ramus largely fused to the main ramus, i.e., non-individualised; (ii) the presence of a stout sharp tooth on the distal margin of the palm, reaching well beyond and mesially overhanging the base of the dactylus (similar to that of many species of the Alpheus macrocheles (Hailstone, 1835) group); (iii) the greatly elongated appendix masculina, reaching far beyond the distal margin of the endopod (uncommonly seen in some other alpheid genera, e.g., in some species of Athanas and Potamalpheops, as well as in Yagerocaris Kensley, 1988 and Crosnierocaris Anker, 2022; see Kensley 1988 [43]; Yeo & Ng 1997 [44]; Anker 2022 [45]); and (iv) the endopod of the first male pleopod armed with slender spiniform setae.
Synalpheopsis gen. nov. can be easily distinguished from all other alpheid genera, which have or may have affinities with Alpheopsis, such as the western Atlantic Pseudalpheopsis and Coutieralpheus, the transisthmian Harperalpheus, the pantropical Prionalpheus, and the Indo-West Pacific Bruceopsis Anker, 2010 (Banner & Banner 1960 [46]; Anker & Felder 2005 [25]; Felder & Anker 2007 [26]; Anker 2007b [27], 2010b [47]). Among these five genera, only Prionalpheus was confirmed to be closely related with Alpheopsis in the recent molecular phylogeny of the Alpheidae (Chow et al. 2021 [48]), whereas the remaining four genera were unavailable for DNA sequencing. It must be noted that the sequence of “Coutieralpheus” in Chow et al. (2021) [48] may, in fact, represent a species of the Alpheopsis trigona (Rathbun, 1901) [18] complex, an unfortunate identification error persisting since Bracken et al. (2009) [22]. Nonetheless, and as expected, Alpheopsis was recovered as paraphyletic and is presently being revised (Anker, in prep.).
Synalpheopsis gen. nov. can be easily distinguished from Pseudalpheopsis, Coutieralpheus, Harperalpheus, Prionalpheus, and Bruceopsis by a series of obvious and important morphological features (see Table 2). The superficially similar Parabetaeus, which was recovered at a considerable distance from Alpheopsis and Prionalpheus in Chow et al. (2021) [48], is also included in Table 2, as well as the above-discussed Alpheopsis and Synalpheus. Noteworthy is that Synalpheopsis gen. nov. and Prionalpheus share the same gill formula (without mastigobranchs and setobranchs), but greatly differ in many other characters, especially in the anterior region of the carapace, mouthparts, and uropod.
Synalpheopsis laureae sp. nov.
(Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4)
Type material. Holotype: male (cl 5.3 mm, tl 13.1 mm), MNHN-IU-2016-2120, Lesser Antilles, Guadeloupe, east of La Désirade, KARUBENTHOS 2 Expedition, N.O. “Antea”, sta. DW4553, 16°21′ N/60°54′ W, depth 111–162 m, leg. MNHN team (L. Corbari et al.), 15 June 2015.
Description. Carapace (Figure 1A–C) largely glabrous, with few scattered erect setae on dorsal surface. Rostrum (Figure 1A,B) well developed, slender, about 1.6 times as long as wide, tapering distally; tip acute, slightly overreaching distal margin of first article of antennular peduncle; dorsal carina distinct, flattening between eyes; ventral margin unarmed. Orbital (=extra-corneal) teeth (Figure 1A,B) strong, sharp, falling short of level of rostral mid-length. Pterygostomial angle (Figure 1B,C) bluntly angular, slightly produced anteriorly. Posterolateral margin of carapace (Figure 1C) with deep cardiac notch.
Pleon (Figure 1D) with first to fifth pleura rounded distoventrally, fifth slightly more angular; sixth pleonite not elongated, without articulated plate. Telson (Figure 1E) relatively broad, subrectangular, gently tapering distally, about twice as long as proximal width, with two pairs of stout spiniform setae situated approximately at 0.45 (anterior) and 0.7 (posterior) length of telson, at some distance from lateral margins; posterior margin broadly rounded, with two pairs of spiniform setae, one at each posterolateral angle, mesial more than four times as long as lateral.
Eyes (Figure 1A,B) completely concealed in dorsal view and largely concealed in lateral view, with well-developed, normally pigmented corneas; anteromesial margin bluntly protruding, with small portion visible in lateral view.
Antennule (Figure 1A,B,F,G) relatively slender; stylocerite slender, not swollen laterally, with acute tip, latter reaching well beyond distal margin of first article, dorsomesial margin with small process near dorsomesial margin, ventromesial carina with slender, sharp, strongly anteriorly directed tooth; second article 2.3 times as long as wide; lateral flagellum with accessory ramus largely fused to main ramus, not individualised, with several groups of aesthetascs, first on fifth flagellar subdivision.
Antenna (Figure 1A,B) with basicerite rather small, armed with sharp distoventral tooth; scaphocerite well developed, not reaching distal margin of antennular peduncle; lateral margin almost straight to subtly concave; blade moderately broad, convex anteriorly, largely surpassed by stout, sharp, distolateral tooth; carpocerite slender, not overreaching antennular peduncle, but distinctly exceeding distolateral tooth of scaphocerite.
Mouthparts typical for family. Mandible (Figure 2A) with well-developed, biarticulated palp; incisor process slightly expanded, with eight blunt or subacute teeth; molar process broad, with semi-circular rows of microscopic setae and minute teeth. Maxillule (Figure 2B,C) with typical distal and proximal endites; palp distally bilobed, dorsal lobe with one fine seta, ventral lobe with one much stouter, spinule-like seta. Maxilla (Figure 2D) with typical distal and proximal endites, distal endite with deep cleft; palp not subdivided, of normal size; scaphognathite narrow. First maxilliped (Figure 2E) with distal endite densely furnished with setae on distal and distomesial surface, proximal endite without setae; palp not subdivided, with some plumose setae; exopod long, with poorly developed caridean lobe. Second maxilliped (Figure 2F) with typical endopod composed of five articles; exopod very long; epipod rounded, without podobranch. Third maxilliped (Figure 2F–J) moderately slender, pediform; coxa with distally acute lateral plate, without mastigobranch; antepenultimate article about five times as long as greatest width; penultimate article short, slightly widening distally, almost cup-shaped, with stout spiniform seta on distodorsal margin; ultimate article about 0.7 times as long as antepenultimate article, gently tapering distally, setose, tip armed with crown of six stout spiniform setae; exopod well developed, overreaching distal margin of penultimate article.
First pereiopods (chelipeds) possibly equal or subequal in size (based on similar size of coxae), of unknown degree of asymmetry, carried extended forward or slightly bent ventrally, not completely folding. Right cheliped (Figure 3A–D) neither particularly robust nor slender. Coxa (Figure 3D) with blunt ventral process. Basis (Figure 3D) short, without notable features. Ischium (Figure 3A,B) short, widening distally; dorsal margin with one long spiniform seta distally; ventromesial margin with smaller spiniform seta subdistally. Merus (Figure 3A–C) trigonal in cross-section, distally widening, almost three times as long as distal width; dorsal margin ending in stout, sharp tooth distally, and with three (one apparently broken) spiniform setae of variable length in proximal half; ventromesial margin ending bluntly distally, with row of six spiniform setae of variable length; distolateral margin with two large, sharp teeth. Carpus (Figure 3A–C) short, cup-shaped, unarmed; mesial surface without rows of setae. Chela (Figure 3A–C) moderately enlarged, not particularly swollen or elongated. Palm (Figure 3A–C) slightly compressed, about twice as long as high (wide); dorsal surface slightly crenulated; dorsomesial margin ending in stout, sharp, distal tooth, latter reaching well beyond and mesially overhanging base of dactylus; ventral margin slightly crenulated proximally, with two spiniform setae, first situated in proximal quarter of palm, and second, more mesially located, near mid-length of palm; remaining surface of palm smooth, without grooves, notches, or tubercles. Fingers (Figure 3A–C) almost equal to palm in length, slightly gaping when closed, with crossing fingertips; pollex slightly shorter than dactylus, with gently curved tip, cutting edge with eight low teeth of variable size and width, proximal- and distal-most weakest, teeth near mid-length strongest; dactylus slightly flattened, with strongly curved tip, cutting edge with nine teeth similar to those of pollex, distal-most weakest. Left cheliped unknown.
Second pereiopod (Figure 4A) relatively slender; coxa with small spiniform seta on ventral surface; ischium almost six times as long as wide; merus 1.1 times as long as ischium, six times as long as wide; carpus slender, as long as ischium and merus combined, with five subdivisions, proximal longest, ratio of carpal subdivisions approximately equal to 3.0:1.5:1.0:1.0:1.5; chela simple, with fingers distinctly longer than palm.
Third to fifth pereiopods moderately slender. Third pereiopod (Figure 4B–D) with ischium almost four times as long as wide, ventrolateral surface unarmed; merus about 1.5 times as long as ischium, about 5.3 times as long as wide; carpus not noticeably slenderer than merus, about 0.6 times as long as merus, with stiff seta on distoventral margin; propodus significantly longer than merus, with seven spiniform setae on ventral margin and one pair of spiniform setae distally, near propodo-dactylar articulation; dactylus 0.3 length of propodus, moderately stout, not particularly elongated, gently curving, biunguiculate, with accessory unguis small, located at about 0.7 length of dactylus, slightly deviating from main axis of main unguis. Fourth pereiopod (Figure 4E) generally similar to third pereiopod, although noticeably slenderer; propodus with five spiniform setae on ventral margin in addition to one pair of spiniform setae flanking propodo-dactylar articulation. Fifth pereiopod (Figure 4F–I) slenderer than third and fourth pereiopods; ischium less than three times as long as wide; merus almost double length of ischium, six times as long as wide; carpus 0.7 times as long as merus; propodus much longer than merus, with seven appressed spiniform setae on ventromesial margin, including one distal seta near propodo-dactylar articulation, and well-developed grooming brush, consisting of 10 rows of microserrulate setae; dactylus biunguiculate, similar to those of third and fourth pereiopods.
Uropod (Figure 1M) with lateral lobe of protopod bearing acute point; exopod with stout distolateral tooth and adjacent spiniform seta; diaeresis sinuous, with subtriangular tooth near distolateral spiniform seta; endopod ovoid, with comb-like row of raised setae proximally; distal margins of exopod and endopod without spiniform setae.
Gill–exopod formula as given for genus.
Colour in life not recorded.
Etymology. The species is named after Dr. Laure Corbari (MNHN) for her continuous support of the author’s taxonomic studies of the Alpheidae and collaboration in the field.
Type locality. East of La Désirade, Guadeloupe, French Antilles.
Distribution. Currently known only from the type locality.
Ecology. Largely unknown, except for the mesophotic depth range, 111–162 m. Other notable animals collected at the station DW4553 were the crabs Moreiradromia antillensis (Stimpson, 1859 [38]), Cyclozodion tuberatum Williams & Child, 1989 [50] and Pyromaia acanthina Lemaitre, Campos & Bermúdez, 2001 [51], the hermit crab Agaricochirus alexandri (A. Milne-Edwards & Bouvier, 1893 [52]) (Poupin & Corbari 2016), and three rare species of cone snails, Conus spp., including two species presently considered to be endemic to Guadeloupe (Rabiller & Richard 2019 [53]).
Remarks. See under genus.
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Figure 1. Synalpheopsis laureae gen et sp. nov., holotype, male (cl 5.3 mm, tl 13.1 mm) collected east of La Désirade, Guadeloupe (MNHN-IU-2016-2120): (A) frontal region, dorsal; (B) same, lateral; (C) carapace, lateral; (D) pleon, lateral; (E) telson, dorsal; (F) right antennule, first article and basal part of second article, lateral; (G) same, stylocerite, dorsolateral; (H) same, flagella, lateral; (I) first pleopod, lateral; (J) second pleopod, lateral; (K) same, appendix masculina and appendix interna, lateral; (L) same, appendix masculina and appendix interna, anterolateral.
Figure 1. Synalpheopsis laureae gen et sp. nov., holotype, male (cl 5.3 mm, tl 13.1 mm) collected east of La Désirade, Guadeloupe (MNHN-IU-2016-2120): (A) frontal region, dorsal; (B) same, lateral; (C) carapace, lateral; (D) pleon, lateral; (E) telson, dorsal; (F) right antennule, first article and basal part of second article, lateral; (G) same, stylocerite, dorsolateral; (H) same, flagella, lateral; (I) first pleopod, lateral; (J) second pleopod, lateral; (K) same, appendix masculina and appendix interna, lateral; (L) same, appendix masculina and appendix interna, anterolateral.
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Figure 2. Synalpheopsis laureae gen et sp. nov., holotype, male (cl 5.3 mm, tl 13.1 mm) collected east of La Désirade, Guadeloupe (MNHN-IU-2016-2120): (A) right mandible, mesial; (B) right maxillule, lateral; (C) same, detail of proximal endite, lateral; (D) right maxilla, lateral; (E) right first maxilliped, lateral; (F) right second maxilliped, lateral; (G) right third maxilliped, lateral; (H,I,J) same, detail of tip of ultimate article, lateral (H), dorsal (I), and mesial (J).
Figure 2. Synalpheopsis laureae gen et sp. nov., holotype, male (cl 5.3 mm, tl 13.1 mm) collected east of La Désirade, Guadeloupe (MNHN-IU-2016-2120): (A) right mandible, mesial; (B) right maxillule, lateral; (C) same, detail of proximal endite, lateral; (D) right maxilla, lateral; (E) right first maxilliped, lateral; (F) right second maxilliped, lateral; (G) right third maxilliped, lateral; (H,I,J) same, detail of tip of ultimate article, lateral (H), dorsal (I), and mesial (J).
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Figure 3. Synalpheopsis laureae gen et sp. nov., holotype, male (cl 5.3 mm, tl 13.1 mm) collected east of La Désirade, Guadeloupe (MNHN-IU-2016-2120): (A) right cheliped (detached at basis-ischium articulation), lateral; (B) same, mesial; (C) same, distal portion of merus, carpus and chela, lateral; (D) same, coxa and basis, lateral.
Figure 3. Synalpheopsis laureae gen et sp. nov., holotype, male (cl 5.3 mm, tl 13.1 mm) collected east of La Désirade, Guadeloupe (MNHN-IU-2016-2120): (A) right cheliped (detached at basis-ischium articulation), lateral; (B) same, mesial; (C) same, distal portion of merus, carpus and chela, lateral; (D) same, coxa and basis, lateral.
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Figure 4. Synalpheopsis laureae gen et sp. nov., holotype, male (cl 5.3 mm, tl 13.1 mm) collected east of La Désirade, Guadeloupe (MNHN-IU-2016-2120): (A) right second pereiopod, lateral; (B) right third pereiopod, lateral; (C) same, propodus and dactylus, mesial; (D) same, distal portion of propodus and dactylus, lateral; (E) right fourth pereiopod, lateral; (F) right fifth pereiopod, lateral; (G) same, propodus and dactylus, lateral; (H) same, propodus and dactylus, mesial; (I) same, dactylus, lateral.
Figure 4. Synalpheopsis laureae gen et sp. nov., holotype, male (cl 5.3 mm, tl 13.1 mm) collected east of La Désirade, Guadeloupe (MNHN-IU-2016-2120): (A) right second pereiopod, lateral; (B) right third pereiopod, lateral; (C) same, propodus and dactylus, mesial; (D) same, distal portion of propodus and dactylus, lateral; (E) right fourth pereiopod, lateral; (F) right fifth pereiopod, lateral; (G) same, propodus and dactylus, lateral; (H) same, propodus and dactylus, mesial; (I) same, dactylus, lateral.
Arthropoda 01 00016 g004

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to express his deepest gratitude to Laure Corbari (MNHN) for her continuous support of taxonomic studies of the alpheid material deposited in the MNHN collections, and for co-organising the KARUBENTHOS 2015 expedition. Paula Martin-Lefèvre (MNHN) helped to retrieve collection metadata for the holotype. KARUBENTHOS 2015 was organised by MNHN with the participation of the following institutions: Parc National de la Guadeloupe, Université des Antilles et de la Guyane, MNHN, GENAVIR, IRD, CNRS/INEE, AGOA Marine Mammals, European Regional Fund (FEDER), Conseil Régional de la Guadeloupe, and Grand Port Maritime de la Guadeloupe (GPMG). The author also thanks the crew of the R/V Antea for operating the dredge and trawls, as well as P. Bouchet, L. Charles, L. Corbari, C. Debitus, C. Dupoux, V. Heros, D. Lamy, A. Leblond, P. Lozouet, T. Magniez, J. Poupin, and A. Waren for processing the collected material. The digitalisation of the line drawings was made in the laboratory of J.R.V. Iganci (Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Brazil), whereas P.P.G. Pachelle (Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brazil) kindly helped cleaning the prefinal plates.

Conflicts of Interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.

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Table 1. Gill-exopod formula of Synalpheopsis gen. nov.
Table 1. Gill-exopod formula of Synalpheopsis gen. nov.
MaxillipedsPereiopods
Gills/ExopodsMxp1Mxp2Mxp3P1P2P3P4P5
Pleurobranchs---+++++
Arthrobranchs--+-----
Podobranchs--------
Epipods+++ 1-----
Mastigobranchs 2--------
Setobranches--------
Exopods+++-----
1 Represented by lateral plate on coxa. 2 Mastigobranchs are epipods of Chace (1972) [3].
Table 2. Comparison of selected morphological characters between Synalpheopsis gen. nov. and other alpheid genera with possible phylogenetic affinities. Abbreviations: A1, antennule; Mxp3, third maxilliped; P, pereiopod. Literature used: Coutière 1899 [40]; Holthuis 1951, 1952 [23]; Banner & Banner 1960 [46]; Dardeau 1984 [4]; Martínez-Iglesias & Carvacho 1991 [24]; Anker 2001 [42], 2007a [14], 2007b [27], 2010b [47], 2015a [39], 2015b [49]; Anker et al., 2005 [38], 2012 [8]; Anker & Felder 2005 [25]; Felder & Anker 2007 [26]; Ríos & Duffy 2007 [6].
Table 2. Comparison of selected morphological characters between Synalpheopsis gen. nov. and other alpheid genera with possible phylogenetic affinities. Abbreviations: A1, antennule; Mxp3, third maxilliped; P, pereiopod. Literature used: Coutière 1899 [40]; Holthuis 1951, 1952 [23]; Banner & Banner 1960 [46]; Dardeau 1984 [4]; Martínez-Iglesias & Carvacho 1991 [24]; Anker 2001 [42], 2007a [14], 2007b [27], 2010b [47], 2015a [39], 2015b [49]; Anker et al., 2005 [38], 2012 [8]; Anker & Felder 2005 [25]; Felder & Anker 2007 [26]; Ríos & Duffy 2007 [6].
GenusRostrumOrbital hoodsOrbital teethPterygostomial angle of carapace
SynalpheopsisWell developed, with carinaModerately swollenPresent (sharp)Bluntly produced
AlpheopsisWell developed, without carinaNot swollenPresent (sharp) or absentRounded or with small tooth
PrionalpheusModerate, without carina, often with 2 short setaeNot swollenAbsentAcutely produced
PseudalpheopsisWell developed, without carinaNot swollenPresent (sharp)Rounded, with blunt tooth above
CoutieralpheusModerate, with 2 long terminal setaeNot swollenAbsentRounded
HarperalpheusModerate, without carinaNot swollenAbsentAcutely produced
BruceopsisWell developed, without carinaNot swollenPresent (sharp or blunt)Rounded or bluntly produced
ParabaetaeusAbsent or poorly developed, bluntNot swollenPresent (sharp or blunt) or absentRounded
SynalpheusVariable: well developed, moderate, or poorly developedModerately to strongly swollenPresent (sharp or blunt) or absentVariable: usually bluntly or sharply produced
GenusEpistomial scleriteTelson, posterior marginSixth pleoniteA1, ventromesial carina of 1st article
SynalpheopsisUnarmedRoundedWithout articulated flapWith tooth
AlpheopsisWith sharp processRoundedWith articulated flapWith tooth
PrionalpheusWith very long or stout, sharp processRoundedWith articulated flapWith tooth
PseudalpheopsisWith sharp processRoundedWith articulated flapWith tooth
CoutieralpheusWith short, blunt processRoundedWith articulated flapWith tooth
HarperalpheusWith short, blunt processRoundedWithout articulated flapWith tooth
BruceopsisWith sharp processRoundedWith articulated flapWith tooth
ParabaetaeusWith short, blunt processWith acute pointWith articulated flapWith tooth
SynalpheusUnarmed or with short blunt processRounded or straightWithout articulated flapWithout tooth
GenusAccessory ramus of lateral A1 flagellumMandibleMxp3, antepenultimate articleMxp3, tip of ultimate article
SynalpheopsisFused to main ramus, non-individualisedNot modifiedNormal, with distodorsal spiniform seraWith crown of spiniform setae
AlpheopsisWell developedNot modifiedNormal, unarmedCorneous, usually with 1–2 spiniform setae
PrionalpheusShort, knob-likeHighly modified, with hypertrophied incisor process, without molar processExpanded, unarmedWith simple setae
PseudalpheopsisWell developedNot modifiedNormal, with row of dorsal spiniform setaeCorneous, with 2 spiniform setae
CoutieralpheusWell developedNot modifiedNormal, unarmedWith 2 short spiniform setae
HarperalpheusShort, knob-likeNot modifiedNormal, unarmedCorneous, with 2 spiniform setae
BruceopsisWell developedNot modifiedNormal, with ventral spiniform setaCorneous, with 2 spiniform setae
ParabaetaeusWell developedNot modifiedNormal, unarmedWith 1–3 short spiniform setae
SynalpheusModerately developed to short, knob-likeNot modifiedNormal, typically unarmedWith crown of spiniform setae (with exceptions)
GenusP1 ischiumP1 merusP1 carpusP1 chela, palm
SynalpheopsisDorsal and ventral margins with spiniform setaeVentromesial and dorsal margins with spiniform setae (+ distolateral margin with 2 strong teeth)Mesial surface without setal rowsVentral surface with 2 spiniform setae
AlpheopsisDorsal margin (and sometimes ventral margin) with spiniform setae or unarmedAll margins unarmed or ventromesial margin with spiniform setaeMesial surface without setal rowsVentral surface unarmed
PrionalpheusDorsal margin with distal spiniform setaDorsal margin unarmed or with row of spiniform setaeMesial surface without setal rowsVentral surface unarmed or crenulate
PseudalpheopsisDorsal margin with spiniform setaeProximal dorsal margin with spiniform setaMesial surface without setal rows (ventral surface with spiniform setae)Ventral surface unarmed
CoutieralpheusDorsal margin unarmed (ventrolateral surface with spiniform seta)All margins unarmedMesial surface with setal rowsVentral surface unarmed
HarperalpheusDorsal margin unarmed or with distal spiniform setaAll margins unarmedMesial surface with setal rowsVentral surface unarmed
BruceopsisDorsal and ventral margins unarmedAll margins unarmedMesial surface with setal rowsVentral surface unarmed
ParabaetaeusDorsal and ventral margins unarmedAll margins unarmed (except for 1 or 2 distal teeth)Mesial surface without setal rowsVentral surface unarmed
SynalpheusDorsal and ventral margins unarmedAll margins unarmed (except for distal armature in many species)Mesial surface without setal rowsVentral surface unarmed
GenusP1 chela, finger armatureP2, number of carpal subdivisionsP2, chelaP3 and P4, ischium and merus
SynalpheopsisSimple teeth5With tufts of simple setaeBoth unarmed
AlpheopsisSimple teeth5With tufts of simple setaeMerus unarmed, ischium with 1–2 spiniform seta(e)
PrionalpheusSimple teeth3–5With tufts of simple setaeBoth unarmed or ischium with 1 spiniform seta
PseudalpheopsisSmall teeth and large hiatus5With tufts of simple setaeMerus unarmed, ischium with 1–2 spiniform seta(e)
CoutieralpheusSimple teeth5With tufts of simple setaeBoth with 1–2 spiniform seta(e)
HarperalpheusSimple teeth5With tufts of simple setaeBoth with 1 spiniform seta
BruceopsisSimple teeth5With tufts of simple setaeMerus unarmed, ischium with 2 spiniform setae
ParabaetaeusSimple teeth5With tufts of simple setaeBoth with 2–4 spiniform seta(e)
SynalpheusPlunger-fossa (snapping mechanism) on major chela4–5With short rows of thickened setaeBoth unarmed
GenusP3–5, dactylusSecond male pleopodUropodMastigobranchs
SynalpheopsisBiunguiculateWith appendix masculina (exceeding appendix interna and endopod)Diaeresis with single lateral tooth, endopod unarmedAbsent
AlpheopsisSimple, rarely biunguiculateWith appendix masculinaDiaeresis with single lateral tooth, endopod unarmedPresent on Mxp3 and P1–4 or P1–3
PrionalpheusBiunguiculateWith appendix masculinaDiaeresis with up to 5 lateral teeth, endopod unarmedAbsent
PseudalpheopsisSimpleWith appendix masculinaDiaeresis with single lateral tooth, endopod with spiniform setae distallyPresent on Mxp3 and P1–4
CoutieralpheusSimpleWith appendix masculinaDiaeresis with single lateral tooth, endopod unarmedPresent on Mxp3 and P1–4
HarperalpheusSimpleWith appendix masculinaDiaeresis with single lateral tooth, endopod unarmedPresent on Mxp3 and P1–4
BruceopsisSimple, with dorsal crenulationWith appendix masculinaDiaeresis with single lateral tooth, endopod unarmedPresent on Mxp3 and P1–4
ParabaetaeusSimpleWith appendix masculinaDiaeresis with single lateral tooth, endopod unarmedPresent on Mxp3 and P1–4 or P1–3
SynalpheusBiunguiculate, with secondary modificationsLacking appendix masculinaDiaeresis typically with single lateral tooth, endopod unarmedAbsent
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Anker, A. On a Remarkable New Genus and Species of Alpheid Shrimps (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Caridea) from the Tropical Western Atlantic. Arthropoda 2023, 1, 398-414. https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda1040016

AMA Style

Anker A. On a Remarkable New Genus and Species of Alpheid Shrimps (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Caridea) from the Tropical Western Atlantic. Arthropoda. 2023; 1(4):398-414. https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda1040016

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anker, Arthur. 2023. "On a Remarkable New Genus and Species of Alpheid Shrimps (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Caridea) from the Tropical Western Atlantic" Arthropoda 1, no. 4: 398-414. https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda1040016

APA Style

Anker, A. (2023). On a Remarkable New Genus and Species of Alpheid Shrimps (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Caridea) from the Tropical Western Atlantic. Arthropoda, 1(4), 398-414. https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda1040016

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