Neolithodes bronwynae | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Malacostraca |
Order: | Decapoda |
Suborder: | Pleocyemata |
Infraorder: | Anomura |
Family: | Lithodidae |
Genus: | Neolithodes |
Species: | N. bronwynae |
Binomial name | |
Neolithodes bronwynae | |
Neolithodes bronwynae, commonly known as the rock crab, [3] [4] is a species of king crab that is found in the West Pacific. [5]
Neolithodes bronwynae is deep-red in colour and has a pyriform carapace having been measured as large as 220.0 mm (8.66 in) in length and 155.9 mm (6.14 in) in width. [6] The dorsal surfaces of its carapace, chelipeds, and walking legs are covered in long, slender spines with granules inbetween. [7] Long spines cover its second abdominal segment, while the rest are covered in spines or nodules. [8]
Neolithodes bronwynae has been found in the Whakatane Seamount in the Bay of Plenty, the Lord Howe Rise near Lord Howe Island, eastern Australia, and possibly New Caledonia. [9] [10] In 2025, it was identified in the Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain's Koko Guyot and Yuryaku Seamount. [11] It has been found at depths of 1,245–2,643 metres (4,085–8,671 ft). [11] [12]
Neolithodes bronwynae was described in 2010 by carcinologist Shane T. Ahyong from a male holotype taken from the Whakatane Seamount. [13] Its specific name, "bronwynae", is after Bronwyn Ahyong. [8] It most closely resembles N. vinogradovi and N. duhameli. [8]