Alpheus cristulifrons Rathbun 1900

Alpheus cristulifrons Rathbun, 1900

(Fig. 2 B)

Alpheus cristulifrons Rathbun, 1900: 152.

Material examined. 1 m, 1 f, 16.V.2007, Santa Cruz Cabrália, Coroa Vermelha Beach, MZUESC 866.

Distribution. Western Atlantic—Florida, Gulf of Mexico, West Indies, Central America, northern South America and Brazil (Atol das Rocas, Fernando de Noronha, Rio Grande do Norte to Rio de Janeiro) (Christoffersen 1998; Anker et al. 2008a).

Ecological notes. The present specimens were collected on coral rubble, at a salinity of 39 psu. Typically in hard substrates (coral reef matrix, coral rubble, concretions of coralline algae), occasionally in sponges, typical depth range 1–5 m, exceptionally down to 52 m (Christoffersen 1979; Anker et al. 2008a; Serejo et al. 2006; see also remarks below).

Previous record: REVIZEE Program Central Score (St. C5-48R) (Serejo et al. 2006); this record is below the typical depth reported for A. cristulifrons and therefore requires confirmation.

Remarks. Alpheus cristulifrons can be easily recognized by the characteristic frontal margin of the carapace, including the anteriorly broadening orbital hoods and a very short rostrum continued posteriorly by a sharp rostral carina; the ovoid, smooth major chela; the male minor chela with sub-balaeniceps setae on the dactylus; the very stout third and fourth pereiopods, with their meri armed with a strong distoventral tooth (see Anker et al. 2008a); and the unique colour pattern (Fig. 2 B). The colour pattern of the Bahian specimens of A. cristulifrons matches well that of the Panamanian specimens in Anker et al. (2008a).