Anarthrura G. O. Sars 1882

Anarthrura G. O. Sars, 1882

Anarthrura: G.O. Sars, 1882: 53 –54. Anarthrura: G.O. Sars, 1896: 37 –38.

Type Species. Anarthrura simplex G.O. Sars, 1882, by monotypy.

Diagnosis (after G.O. Sars). Anarthrurid with fragile, poorly calcified, cuticle. Cephalothorax short. Pleon short, pleonites distinct or fused. Mouthparts small. Labrum conical in plan and profile view. Mandibles weak, without molar or lacinia mobilis. Maxillule endite with four unequal setae. Maxilliped endite with two distal setae; palp article­3 with three inner setae. Cheliped propodus without lateral fold; fixed finger with one ventral seta. Pereopods 1–3 setation sparse. Coxa of pereopods 1–3 with seta. Pereopods 4–6 carpus with three simple spiniform setae and one smaller seta. Pleopods absent (females).

Remarks. With the description of another species belonging to this genus (A. edentatus – see below) the reduction of the pleon in A. simplex must be seen as a specific, rather than a family­level, character, as discussed in the previous section.