Hexapus bidentatus sp. nov. (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Hexapodidae), a new species from Goa, west coast of India

Abstract

A new species of hexapodid crab, Hexapus bidentatus sp. nov. is described from Goa, west coast of India. The new species differs from its closest congener, H. estuarinus in possessing more slender chelipeds, two large basal teeth on the dactylus and two small basal teeth on the pollex of the larger cheliped, a smaller cheliped with more or less straight fingers with a triangular gap between them, and the tip of the gonopod (G1) with nine spines on the outer border. Additionally, an updated description of H. estuarinus based on an examination of the holotype and another specimen collected from Goa is provided. A comparative analysis of H. sexpes, H. estuarinus and the new species is made. A key to all the five valid species of the genus Hexapus, including the new species, is provided.