Neolithodes bronwynae
Neolithodes bronwynae, commonly known as the rock crab, is a species of king crab that is found in the West Pacific.
Description
Neolithodes bronwynae is deep-red in colour and has a pyriform carapace having been measured as large as in length and in width. The dorsal surfaces of its carapace, chelipeds, and walking legs are covered in long, slender spines with granules inbetween. Long spines cover its second abdominal segment, while the rest are covered in spines or nodules.
Description
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. In 2025, it was identified in the Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain's Koko Guyot and Yuryaku Seamount. It has been found at depths of.
Taxonomy
Neolithodes bronwynae was described in 2010 by carcinologist Shane T. Ahyong from a male holotype taken from the Whakatane Seamount. Its specific name, "bronwynae", is after Bronwyn Ahyong. It most closely resembles N. vinogradovi and N. duhameli.
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