First Record and Morphological Notes on Alpheus longiforceps Hayashi & Nagata, 2002 (Decapoda: Alpheidae) from Indian Coast
Alex Justin, A.
*
Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu 608502, India.
Thangaraj, M.
Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu 608502, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study reports the occurrence of Alpheus longiforceps, a snapping shrimp species newly recorded from the Indian coast, previously known only from the Indo-West and North-West Pacific regions. Specimens were collected as bycatch at the Mudasalodai landing site in July to August 2024. The key traits such as rostral structure, chelae proportions, and carapace characteristics were analysed and compared with previous studies. The species is distinguished by unique coloration, such as alternating reddish-orange and off-white bands, with dark orange spots on the fifth abdominal segment. Comparative morphometry reveals variations in proportion of antennular peduncle, telson ratio, and chela size. These findings expand the current knowledge of Alpheus longiforceps distribution.
Keywords: Alpheus longiforceps, snapping shrimp, caridean shrimp, morphometric analysis, crustacean taxonomy