DECAPOD CRUSTACEA SHELF-FAUNA OF THE NORTHEASTERN GULF OF MEXICO

Trabajo recibido el 19 de marzo de 1979 y aceptado para su publicación el 21 de febrero de 1980.

RESUMEN

INTRODUCCIÓN

The publications emanating from the explorations conduted onboard the U.S. Coast Survey BLAKE (1877-1878) and the U.S. Fish Commission vessels ALBATROS (1885) an the FISH HAWK (1901-1902), contributed substantially to the systematics of the decapod fauna known to inhabit the Gulf of Mexico, furnishing at the same time, the base line for further studies.

Rouse (1970) and Pequegnat and Pequegnat (1971) have summarized most of the studies that have been accomplished in the field of Carcinology in both coastal and deep regions of the Gulf of Mexico.

Despite the works cited by the above authors, studies on the decapod shelf-fauna of the northeastern Gulf have been lacking to a great degree. Information concerning this regions in largely confined to studies on species of economic importance (Burkenroad, 1934; Pérez Farfante, 1969; Anderson and Lindner, 1971) and to the check lists of decapod crustaceans published by Springer and Bullis (1956) and Bullis and Thompson (1965). However, this lack of information is partly compensated by the excellent review of the decapod crustaceans from North Carolina,, published by Williams (1965) and Williamset al. (1968) which contains many of the faunistic components that occur on the continental shelf of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. The Catalogue and Bibliography to the true crabs (Brachyura) of the Gulf of Mexico recently published by Powers (1977) constituted a valuable reference source in the elaboration of this work.

The objective of the present investigation, primarily centers around the study, at specific level, of the distributional patterns, seasonal occurrence, as well as the relative abundance exhibited by the decapod shelf-fauna of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, during a year cicle.

All the specimens reported upon here were collected during the research program GULF SHELF PROJECT, conducted aboard the R/V TURSIOPS, of the Florida State University, from October of 1970 to October of 1971. During this period of time, 14 cruises were completed and a total of 108 stations were occupied on the continental shelf of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Two type of transects were marked out throughout this program: the first one was a regular transect extending off Apalachicola Bay, from the 10 fathom isobath to the edge of the continental margin (Fig. l). The second transect, was rather variable, extending from the area off Cape San Blas to the eastern section of the Mississippi Delta (Figs. 2 and 3). This transect, in addition to covering the shelf area, included some portions of the uper continental slope near the De Soto Canyon region. Both transects were traced following the contour of the isobath lines, on suitable areas for trawling.

The material utilized for this study was obtained by a 16' standard Gulf coast otter trawl (try net) of 1/2' bar mesh with a cod end inner sleeve of 1/8'. The trawl was towed at speeds between 2 to 3 knots for periods of 10 to 20 minutes depending on the station depth.

Account for the material collected has been designated as follow: the T stands for the R/V TURSIOPS, the next four digits represent the year of collection and the cruise number, respectively; the following digit indicates the station number; between parenthesis is given the recorded depth in fathoms; finally, is designated the number and sex of the individuals captured.

Fig. 1. TURSIOPS, 7103, 7104, 7109, 7115, 7125.

Fig. 2. TURSIOPS, 7102, 7110.

In the station list, in Appendix, the type of bottom is designated according to the code given in the instruction Manual of Oceanographic Observations (1955).

For the convenience of the present study, the criteria of Ekman (1953), Cerame-Vivas and Gray (1966), and Pequegnat (1970) have been adopted for the division of the continental shelf into the following sections: inner and middle shelf (0-50 fm.) and outer shelf (50-100 fm.). No descriptions of species are included in this paper. Reference is made to the best descriptions available of the decapod crustaceans occurring in the area of study.

Fig. 3. TURSIOPS, 7120, 7127.

Solenocera atlantidisBurkenroad, 1939.

Description.Burkenroad, 1939, p. 10, figs. 5 to 10. Williams, 1965, p. 15, fig. 5. Pérez-Farfante and Bullis, 1973, p. 3, 20, figs. 1114, 18, 19.

Geographic range.Cape Hatteras, N. C., to Campeche, México; Atlantic coast of South America as far south as Cananeia, Sao Paulo.

Bathymetric range. 5 to 180 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7102-15 (22) 1 f; T7103-2 (22) 2 f; T-7109-3 (30) 4 m, 12 f; T7110-1 (11) 5 m, 15 f; T-7110-15 (27) 1 m; T-7110-14 ( 51) 1 f, 1 m; T-1159 (10) 9 f, 3 m; T-7115-3 (30) 1 f, 1 m; T-7115-4 (50) 1 f; T-7120-9 (11), 15 f, 4 m; T-7120-50 (25) 13 f, 9 m; T-7120-33 (20) 6 f, 1 m; T-7125-2 (20) 2 f; T7125-8 (20) 1 m; T-7127-1 (100) 1 f, 2 m; T-7127-18 (18) 1 f.

S. atlantidis represented a regular component is most of the samples taken in this study. It occurred throughout the year, being parcularly abundant in the period between April and July. From a total of 125 specimens, 64% were females, mainly juvenile forms, and 36% were males. According to Holthuis (1959) and Abele (1970), females of this species are predominant over the males, by a factor of four, in Surinam and the Gulf of Mexico, respectively. The sex ratio obtained for S. atlantidis was 2: 1.

This species presented a wide distribution range in the northeastern Gulf, wwhich extended from the vicinty of Mobile Bay to off Apalachicola Bay. However, it is in the latter region, where S. atlantidis was frequently captured within the inner shelf limits.

Solenocera necopina Burkenroad, 1939.

Description. Burkenroad, 1939, p. 7, fig. 1 to 4. Lindner and Anderson, 1941, p. 186, fig. 1 f. Pérez-Farfante and Bullis, 1973, p. 3, 14, figs. 710, 18, 19.

Geographic range. Southeast of Cape Lookout, N. C., to south of Florida. Gulf of Mexico from Rio Grande to Dry Tortugas. West Indies. Venezuela to Uruguay.

Bathymetric range. Edge of the continental shelf to 300 fathoms.

Material examined T-7115-6 (100) 2 m.

Only two specimens of this species were obtained in the early spring on the shelf edge off Cape San Blas.

Solenocera vioscai Burkenroad, 1934.

Description. Burkenroad, 1934 a, p. 65, figs. 1 to 4; 1939, p. 13, figs. 12 to 15. Pérez-Farfante and Bullis, 1973, p. 3, figs. 1 A, B, 3.

Geographic range.Southeast of Cape Lookout, N. C., to Gulf of Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 20 to 131 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-13 (58) 1 f; T7120-14 (97) 2 f; T-7120-31 (108) 4 m; T7120-32 (68) 4 f, 5 m; T7127-1 (100) 1 m; T-7127-16 (100) 4 f, 7 m; T7127-26 (26) 1 m.

This species occurred with certain frequency during the summer and fall. From 8 occupied stations, a total of 27 specimens was obtained; females and males almost appeared in equal proportion.

S. vioscaiwas mostly found in the area comprised between Panama City and Mobile Bay, being more numerous on the outer shelf region.

Hymenopenaeus aphoticusBurkenroad, 1936.

Description. Burkenroad, 1936, p. 112, figs. 62 to 67. Pequegnat, 1970, p. 31, fig. 3-1D.

Geographic range. Western Atlantic from 39º47'N latitude, to the Gulf of Mexico. It may eventually be found in the Caribbean Sea (Roberts and Pequegnat, 1970).

Bahymetric range. From approximately 200 to 1,764 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-9 (200) 2 f.

H. aphoticus is an archibenthic form which normally inhabits the continental slope and the upper rise, on depths ranging from 580 to 1,764 fathoms. The most recent report of this species in the Gulf, is that of Roberts and Pequegnat (1970), who indicated the lower limit of the upper slope as the area where more individuals are found. The present record extends the bathymetric range of H. aphoticus to 200 fathoms.

Hymenopenaeus robustus Smith, 1885.

Description. Roberts and Pequegnat, 1970, p. 30, fig. 3-1 B, C.

Geographic range. From North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea to the north coast of Venezuela (Pequegnat, 1970).

Bathymetric range. 100 to 500 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-9 (200) 3 f, 2 m.

This species was taken together with H. aphoticus from a haul made in the De Soto Canyon area. According to Anderson and Lindner (1971) H. robustus attains commercial concentration in three areas off the United States on depths 250 to 550 m. One of these areas is located off the Mississippi Delta at 100-200 fathoms (Roberts and Pequegnat, 1970).

Hymenopenaeus tropicalis(Bouvier, 1905).

Description. A. Milne Edwards and Bouvier, 1909, p. 217, text figs. 45-54, pl. 3, figs. 1-9. Williams 1965, p. 15, fias. 6, 7.

Geographic range.Cape Hatteras, N. C., to Gulf of Mexico, Barbados in the Caribbean Sea.

Bathymetric range. 17 to 200 fathoms; usually incide the 100 fathom curve (Williams, 1970).

Material examined. T-7102-13 (67) 1 f; T7103-2 (22) 1 f; T7104-9 (50) 5 f, 2 m; T7109-3 (30) 1 f; T-7110-14 (51) 1 m; T7120-4 (53) 13 f, 3 ni; T-7125-7 (50) 1 f.

This species occurred throughout the year and is particularly abundant during the summer. A total number of 26 specimens was captured. Females predominated over the males by a factor of 5.

H. tropicalis was found distributed on the eastern half of the northeastern Gulf, within the inner shelf boundaries, near the 50 fathom isobath.

Parapenaeus longirostris (Lucas, 1849).

Description. A. Milne Edwards and Bouvier, 1909, p. 229, fig. 56, pl. 5. Williams, 1965, p. 27, figs. 13-15.

Geographic range. Marthas Vineyard, Mass., to Gulf of Mexico off Florida, Louisiana, and Yucatan; Gulf of Paria off Venezuela; east of Portugal to Morocco; Mediterranean Sea from Spain to Asia Minor.

Bathymetric range. 15 to 180 fathoms or more in western Atlantic (Burkenroad, 1934 b, 1939) ; 411 fathoms in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico (Roberts and Pequegnat, 1970).

Material examined. T-7023-6 (96) 1 m; T7102-10 (100) 1 m; T-7102-13 (67) 3 f, I m; T-7102-19 (65) 1 f, 1 m; T-7104-7 (100) 1 m; 7110-12 (101) 8 f, 4 m; T-7110-13 (75) 2 f; T711012 (101) 8 f, 4 m; T-7110-3 (75) 2 f; T7110-21 (100) 8 f, 13 m; T-7115-5 (100) 2 m; T17-7115-6 (100) 4 f, 2 m; T-7120-5 (100) 1 f; T-7120-13 (58) 1 f; T-7120-14 (96) 14 f, 7 m T-7120-31 (107) 15 f, 2 m; T-7120-32 (68) 1 f, 3 m; T-7120-34 (100) 1 m; T-7127-1 (100) 5 f, 2 m; T-7127-9 (112) ; T-7127-12 (27) 1 m; T-7127-16 (100) 2 f; T-7127-26(50) 1 f.

P. longirostris appeared regularly throughout the year, and it was frequently taken during the spring and the summer. In 123 specimens identified, females are more cammon than males by a factor of 2.

This species exhibited a wide distribution range in the area of study, however, most of the records for this penaeid seem to converge in the area adjacent to the De Soto Canyon. The population ofP. longirostris is mainly concentrated along the shelf edge and seldom occurs on the inner shelf region.

Penaeus (Melicertus) aztecus aztecus Ives, 1891.

Description.Pérez-Farfante, 1969, p. 527, figs. 39 50.

Geographic range. From Marthas Vineyard, Mass., south to the Florida Keys and north on the west coast of Florida to the northwest Sanibel grounds; vicinity of Apalachicola Bay, north and western coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and the northwestern coast of Yucatan.

Bathymetric range. 15 to 90 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-54 (25) 2 m; T7120-55 (17) 1 f; T-7127-22 (12) 2 f.

The only records of this species were obtained in the summer and the fall, from the eastern portion of the Mississippi Delta.

Penaeus (Melicertus) duorarum duorarumBurkenroad, 1939.

Description.Pérez-Farfante, 1969, p. 500, figs. 20-31.

Geographic range. Lower Chesapeake Bay, southward along the coast to the Florida Keys and Gulf of Mexico. Bermuda.

Bathymetric range. Water edge to 28 fathoms; rarely 40 to 200 fathoms (Williams, 1965).

Material examined. T-7103-2 (22) 4 m; T7120-9 (11) 5 f, 5 m.

This species was occasionally captured during the winter and summer, in the shallow area off Analachicola Bay. All the specimens taken were adults.

Metapenaeopsis goodei(Smith, 1855).

Description.Pérez-Farfante, 1971, p. 9, figs. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13A.

Geographic range.From North Carolina, between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout to the Florida Keys, and along the Gulf coast of Florida to Pensacola, coast of Yucatan, Mexico, throughout the Caribbean, and Atlantic coast of South America to Brazil; Bermudas.

Bathymetric range.Surface to 180 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7103-2 (22) 5 f, 2 m; T-71033 (30) 1 f; T-7109-3 (30) 1 f; T-71 1015 (27) 1 f, 3 m; T-7115-3 (30) 3 f; T-7120-3 (33) 1 f, 1 m; T-71204 (53) 1 m; T-7120-8 (23) 1 f; T-7120-33 (20) 1 m.

M. goodei occurred from the winter through the summer. From nine stations, 21 specimens were obtained. The females slightly predominated over the males.

This species was frequently captured in the waters off Apalachicola Bay and it seems less common, in the area near the Choctawhatchee Bay.M. goodeiwas found inhabiting the inner shelf region, especially the area between the 20 and 30 fathoms curve.

Penaeopsis megalops(Smith, 1885).

Description.Burkenroad, 1934b, p. 12, fig. 1. Pequegnat, 1970, p. 49.

Geographic range.West coast of Africa near Morocco, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and up the east coast of the United States to South Carolina.

Bathymetric range. 100 to 400 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-9 (200) 1 m. A single specimen of this penaeid was obtained from a haul made in the De Soto Canyon area. According to Roberts and Pequegnat (1970) P. megalopsis quite abundant in the above area, at approximately 200 fathoms and, secondarily, off the Rio Grande in 150 fathoms.

Trachypenaeus constrictus(Stimpson, 1871).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 31, fig. 21

Geographic range.Chesapeake Bay to Texas; Bermuda; Puerto Rico and Sombrero Island; Surinam.

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 30 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7018-3 (17) 1 m; T7114-38 (12) 1 f; T-7115-9 (10) 1 f.

T. constrictus was taken only during the spring and fall; an additional specimen was obtained from the waters off Tampa Bay, in the early spring. This species appeared distributed in the area off Apalachicola Bay, close to the 10 fathom isobath. It probably occurs more commonly in coastal areas. Abele (1970) reported T. constrictus from the mouth of the Carabelle River, Florida.

Trachypeanaeus similis(Smith, 1886).

Description.Burkenroad, 1934, p. 96, figs. 10-11.

Geographic range.Northern Antilles; Western coast of Florida and Louisiana; Venezuela.

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 50 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7120-55 (17) 1 f.

The only record of this species was a ripe female captured during the summer, in the eastern portion of the Míssissippi Delta.

Sicyonia brevirostris Stimpson, 1871.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 35, figs. 25-26.

Geographic range. Norfolk, Virginia, through Bahamas and Gulf of Mexico to Yucatan, Mex.; Pacific coast of southern Mexico.

Bathymetric range.Shallow water to over 100 fathoms in Carolinas (Broad, 1950;vide Williams, 1965), rarely to 180 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7018-3 (17) 1 f, 1 m; T-7102-15 (22) 1 m; T-7103-2 (22) 6 f, 4m T-7103-3 (30) 3 m; T-7103-4 (51) 2 f, 2 m; T7104-9 (59) 1 f; T-71091 (10) 6 f, 2 m; T-7109-3 (30) 18 f, 10 m; T-7110-1 (10) 30 f, 24 m; T-7110-2 (20) 1 m; T-7110-15 (27) 3 f, 3 m; T-7110-16 (11) 1 m; T-7110-17 (7) m; T7110-21 (100) 4 f, 4 m; T-7115-2 (20) 13 f, 10 m; T7115-3 (30) 11 f, 11 m; T-7115-4 (50) 9 f, 9 m; T2120-3 (33) 7 f, 5 m; T-7120-4 (53) 1 m; T-7120-8 (23) 1 f; T-7120-9 (10) 12 f, 7 m; T7120-33 (20) 3 f; T-7120-55 (17) 1 f; T7125-2 (20) 3 f, 2 m; T-7125-3 (30) 3 f, 2 m; T-7125-8 (20) 2 f, 1 m T-7127-5 (15) 3 f; T7127-18 (21) 3 f, 5 m; T-712724 (30) 2 f, 1 m.

This species was regularly taken throughout th year and, became particularly numerous during the spring and summer. A total of 260 individuals was collected. The females were more common than the males by a ratio of 2: 1.

S. brevirostris was widely distributed in the area of study, however, its distributional pattern appeared clearly concentrated in the area off Apalachicola Bay, where 90% of the specimens were captured. This species was found inhabiting the inner shelf region on depths of 7 to 59 fathoms, and only in one occasion was taken from the shelf edge.

Sicyonia dorsalisKingsley, 1878.

Description.Williams, 1965, p. 37, fig. 28.

Geographic range.Cape Hatteras, N. C., to Texas; Colombia to French Guiana.

Bathymetric range. From 3 to 88 fathoms, rarely to 230 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-9 (11) 1 m; T7120-55 (17) 1 m.

Two male specimens were taken during the spring, in the waters off Cape St. George and the eastern portion of the Mississippi Delta, respectively.

Sicyonia typica (Boeck, 1864).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 36, fig. 27.

Geographic range. Beaufort, N. C., east and west Florida; Gulf of Campeche through West Indies to Rio de Janeiro.

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 37 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7018-3 (17) 1

Only a juvenile form appeared in our collections made during the fall, in the area off Apalachicola Bay. S. typicais known to be common in the Alligator Harbor, Florida (Abele, 1970).

Sicyonia stimpsoni Bouvier, 1905.

Description. Cobb, 1971, p. 110.

Geographic range. Western Atlantic from off North Carolina southward to Florida, eastern Gulf of Mexico, Cuba to Barbados, Panama to Colombia.

Bathymetric range. 40 to 411 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7020-27 (98) 1 f.

This uncommon species was captured during the fall, on the edge of the continental shelf, off Tampa Bay.

Cobb (1971) reviewed the taxonomic status of S. stimpsoni, giving the morphological features that distinguish this species from the new species

Sicyonia burkenroadiCobb, 1971. According to thsi author, S. stimpsoni is more frequently caught in more than 118 meters whereas S. burkenroadi is mainly found on depths of less than 77 meters.

Sicyonia burkenroadi Cobb 1971.

Description. Cobb, 1971, p. 104, figs. 1-2.

Geographic range. Western Atlantic from off North Carolina southward to the Gulf of Campeche, Puerto Rico, Panama to French Guiana.

Bathymetric range. 18 to appproximately 68 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7110-14 (51) 1 f; T7120-32 (68) 4 f.

This species was occasionally taken during the spring and summer from the middle shelf region off Choctawhatchee Bay.

Alpheus normanni Kingsley, 1878.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 65, fig. 53.

Geographic range. North Carolina through West Indies to Barbados, Curacao, and Aruba: Alligator Harbor, Fla., to Sabine, Texas; Bermuda.

Bathimetric range. Water edge to 40 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7115-6 (100) 1 ovig. f, 2 m.

A trawl made on the shelf edge off Cape San Blas, during the early spring, yielded 3 specimens of A. normanni. The depth at which this species was captured is rather unusual, since it was previously known as far deep as 40 fathoms (Williams, 1965). However, judging by the ovigerous stage of the female collected, this species normally occurs on the outer shelf as well.

Synalpheus longicarpus (Herrick, 1892).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 73, fig. 59.

Geographic range. Beaufort, N. C., to Yucatan, Mex.; through West Indies to Curacao.

Bathymetric range. 15 to 28 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7103-2 (20) 1 f; T-7125-1 (10) 2 m.

The two records of this species were obtained in the winter and fall, off Dog Island.

Synalpheus townsendi Coutiere, 1909.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 72, fig. 58.

Geographic range. Off Beaufort, N. C., to Yucatan, Mex.; through West Indies to Bahia, Brazil; Bermuda.

Bathymetric range. Low tide mark to 56 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7115-1 (10) 9 ovig. f, 5 m.

Numerous specimens of this alpheid were captured in the early spring off Dog Island.

Hippolyte pleuracantha(Stimpson, 1871).

Description.Williams, 1965, p. 80, fig. 65.

Geographic range. New Jersey to Galveston, Tex.; Bermuda.

Bathymetric range. Shallow waters.

Material examined. T-7110-15 (27) 1 f; T-7120-12 (27) 1 f.

H. pleuracantha was taken during the spring and summer, from the area off Panama City. This species is a common inhabitant of coastal areas where beds of vegetation are normally found (Williams, 1965; Rouse, 1970, Abele, 1970). It is very likely then, that this caridean could have been trapped on the surface together with some floating plants, while the trawl was being retrieved.

Processa profunda Manning and Chace, 1971.

Description. Manning and Chace, 1971, p. 25, figs. 13-15.

Geographic range. Gulf of Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 100 to 189 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7127-1 (100) 1 m; T-7217-9 (119) 2 ovig. f, 1 m.

The four specimen of this new species were obtained a.long the outer shelf near the De Soto Canyon region. The identification of this material was kindly made by Mr. Julio Garcia.

Pantomus parvulus Milne Edwards, 1883.

Description. Holthuis, 1955, p. 118. Williams, 1965, p. 88, fig. 71.

Geographic range.Cape Lookout, N. C., to Yucatan, Mex.; Puerto Rico; St. Croix, V. I.

Bathymetric range. 50 to 248 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7018-8 (101) 6 ovig. f, 1 m; T-71109 (200) 1 ovig. f, 2 m; T-7110-12 (101) 3 ovig. f; T-711021 (100) 1 m; T-71155 (100) 13 ovig. f, 6 m; T-7120-5 (100) 4 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7120-7 (53) 1 ovig. f; T-7120-31 (107) 2 ovig., 1 f.

This small pandalid was taken throughout the year. From eight occupied stations, 41 specimens were obtained; females outnumbered the males, by approximately 3 to 1. The largest number of this species was recorded in the early spring. Ovigerous females were taken in April, Mav, July and September.

P. parvulus mainly occurred along the shelf edge and in the upper slope of the area off Cape San Blas and the De Soto Canyon, respectively.

Plesionika holthuisiCrosnier and Forest, 1967.

Description. Pequegnat, 1970, p. 94, fig. 4-12.

Geographic range. Western Atlantic; northern Gulf of Mexico. Eastern Atlantic; west coast of Africa between 2ºN and 6ºS.

Bathymyetric range. 262 to 472 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-49 (300) 1 ovig., 1 f.

From a trawl made near the head of the De Soto Canyon, in the sumer, two females were captured. Although, P. holthuisi does not inhabit the shelf environment, it has been included in the present study by virtue of its zoogeographical significance. Presently, this species is only known from the type locality (west coast of Africa) and from the northern Gulf of Mexico (Pequegnat, 1970).

Plesionika tenuipes(Smith, 1881).

Description. Pequegnat, 1970, p. 103, fig. 415.

Geographic range.Western Atlantic: east coast of the United States from Rhode Island to southern tip of Florida; eastern and western Gulf of Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 100 to 260 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7115-6 (100) 7 ovig. f, 12 m; T-71205 (100) 2 ovig. f; T-7127-9 (112) 1 m.

A total of 20 specimens of P. tenuipeswas taken from the spring through the fall. Ovigerous females were obtained in May, and July

This species appeared largely confined to the edge of the continental shelf of the eastern half of the arca of study.P. tenuipesseems to be a common fauna] element of the shelf edge and upper slope habitat in the Gulf of Mexico. According to Wigley (1960), this pandalid occurs less frequently in the offshore waters of New England.

Ponthophilus gracilisSmith, 1882.

Description.Pequegnat, 1970, p. 113.

Geographic range.Western Atlantic: from Martha's Vineyard, Mass., to Southern Florida and through the Gulf of Mexico. Eastern Atlantic: Gulf of Guinea, off Gabon, Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal. Pacific Ocean: Hawaiian Islands.

Bathymetric range.193 to 780 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7110-9 (200) 1 ovig. f, 3 m.

This uncommon species was taken from the arca of the De Soto Canyon during the early spring.

Pontophilus brevirostris Smith, 1881.

Description. Pequegnat, 1970, p. 113.

Geographic range. Western Atlantic: east coast of the United States, from Martha's Vineyard to southern tip of Florida and southeastern Gulf of Mexico near Dry Tortugas. Northeastern Gulf of Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 7 to 233 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7020-27 (98) 1 m; T-7127-9 (112) 2 m.

During the last phase of this survey, two male of this species were taken from the shelf edge of the De Soto Canyon arca. An additional specimen was obtained from the same depth off the waters of Tampa Bay. This specimen was kindly supplied by Mr. Patrick McCaffrey.

Polycheles typhlos Heller, 1862.

Description. De Man 1916, p. 24.

Geographic range. Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and West Indies. Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic: Arabian Sea, Andaman Sea, coast of Malabar and Bali Sea.

Bathymetric range. 188 to 1706 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-9 (200) 2 m.

This species was captured on the upper slope of the De Soto. Canyon area. Firth (1971) pointed out that P.typhlostogether with the polychelid Stereomastis sculpta, are numerically important members of the slope macrofauna. According to this author, estimation of their numbers in a bottom haul is an indicator of the richness of the area.

Bullis and Thompson (1965) reported P.typhlos from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico and the northeast coast of Florida, on depths ranging from 200 to 300 fathoms.

Nephropsis aculeata Smith, 1881.

Description. Manning, 1969, p. 303.

Geographic range. Bermudas; south coast of New England; coasts of Florida (De Man, 1920). Northwestern and southwestern Gulf of Mexico, northern coast of Brazil (Bullis and Thompson, 1965).

Bathymetric range. 100 to 275 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-9 (200) 3 f, 1 m.N. aculeata was taken together with the preceding species. This is, apparently, a common situation. Bullis and Thompson (1965) recorded the above two species from the same stations occupied by the vessels COMBAT and OREGON, in the northern Gulf of Mexico and the northeastern coast of Florida.

Scyllarus americanus(Smith, 1869).

Description. Williams, 1975, p. 96, fig. 75.

Geographic range.Off Bogue Inlet, N. C., to Southern Florida; Campeche Banks, off Mexico; South America, Oregon stations 2088, 2249, and 2335.

Bathymetric range. Surface to 180 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-16 (11) 1 ovig. f.

A single specimen of this species was obtained in April, off the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Scyllarus chacei Holthius, 1960.

Description. Williaras, 1965, p. 95, fig. 74.

Geographic range. Off Cape Lookout, N. C., through Gulf of Mexico, West Indies, and Caribbean Sea to off Cape San Roque, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 9 to 100 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7102-15 (22) 1 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7103-2 (22) 1 m; T-7103-3 (30) 2 m; T-7109-3 (30) 1 ovig. 1 f; T-7110-14 (51) 3 m; T-7110-18 (20) 1 f; T-7115-2 (20) 2 m; T-7115-3 (30) 1 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7115-8 (20) 1 ovig. f; T-7120-3 (30) 1 ovig. f; T7120-11 (25) 1 m; T-7120-12 (27) 1 m; T-7125-2 (2 1) 1 ovig. f, 3 m; T-7127-3 (24) 1 m.

This species was the most common scyllarid taken in the course of this study. It occurs throughout the year. A total number of 25 specimens was obtained, the males predominating over the females, roughly by a factor of 2:1. Ovigerous females were taken in January, April, May, July and September.

S. chacei appeared confined to the eastern half of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. This species in mainly distributed within the boundaries of the inner shelf on depths of 20 to 51 fathoms. However, this scyllarid is often taken between the 20 and 30 fathom isobath.

Scyllarus depressus (Smith, 1881).

Description. Scyllarus nearctus,Williams, 1965, p. 97, fig. 76. Scyllarus depressus, Lyons, 1970, p. 30, fig. 11.

Geographic range.Off Martha's Vineyard; off Cape Hatteras, N. C., through Gulf of Mexico and West Indies to State of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Bathymetric range.16 to 144 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7104-9 (50) 2 m.

This uncommon scyllarid was captured on the middle shelf region, off Apalachicola Bay.

Scyllarides nodifer(Stimpson, 1876).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 98, fig. 77.

Geographic range.Cape Lookout, N. C., to Cuba; off Cape St. George to off Pensacola, Florida.

Bahymetric range. 15 to 40 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7020-1 (10) 1 m; T-7115-2 (20) 1 m; T-7115-8 (20) 1 m; T-7125-8 (20) 1 m.

Three adult specimens of this scyllarid were captured off Cape St. George and Dog Island, during the spring and fall. An additional specimen was obtained from the waters off Tampa Bay.

Galathea rostrata Milne Edwards, 1880.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 105, fig. 81.

Geographic range.Off Cape Hatteras, N. C., to off Mississippi River Delta, and Yucatan, Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 10 to 50 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7127-3 (24) 1 m; T-7127-7 (23) 1 m.

G. rostratais rather a rare species in the Gulf of Mexico. Only two specimens were taken from the area comprised between Panama City and Choctawhatchee Bay, respectively; both captures were made along the 20 fathom isobath.

Munida flinti Benedict, 1902.

Description. Benedict, 1902, p. 258, fig. 9. Chace, 1942, p. 57.

Geographic range.Eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Lesser Antilles off Grenada.

Bathymetric range.50 to 115 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7018-8 (102) 3 ovig. f, 8 m; T-7102-10 (50) 1 m; T-7102-13 (122) 2 ovig. f, 1m; T7102-19 (65) 1 m; T-7110-12 (101) 2 m; T-7110-13 (75) 1 ovig. 1 f, 3 m; T7110-21 (100) 1 ovig.. f; T7115-6 (100) 7 ovig. f, 10 m; T-7120-5 (100) 4 ovig. 2 f, 4m; T-7120-6 (100) 1 ovig. f, 2 m; T-7120-32 (68) 1 f; T7125-5 (100) 1 ovig. f; T-7125-6 (100) 3 f, 2 m; T-7127-9 (112) 1 ovig. f; T-7127-16 (100) 1 ovig. 6 f, 8 m.

This galatheoidea frequently appeared in our collection. It occurred all year round. From 16 stations, 79 individuals were obtained; in most of the samples, females and males occurred in almost equal proportion. Ovigerous females were taken in January, Abril, May, July, September and October. Somewhat, M. flinti became particularly numerous in May and October.

This species is distributed along the shelf edge of the northeastern Gulf, though it seems congregated on the eastern half of that area. M. flinti was essentially captured near the 100 fathom curve and eventually was taken from the middle shelf region.

Munida irrasa Milne Edwards, 1880.

Description. Chace, 1942, p. 33, 46. Williams, 1965, p. 105, fig. 82.

Geographic range.Cape Lookout, N.C., Florida through West Indies to Grenada, Colombia and Venezuela.

Bathymetric range. 21 to 260 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7020-27 (98) 2 ovig. f, 1 m; T7110-21 (100) 1 m.

The capture of this galatheoida took place on the self edge off Cape San Blas. Three additional specimens were taken from a similar depth off Tampa Bay. These records were obtained in the fall and spring, respectively.

Munida forceps Milne Edwards, 1880.

Description. Benedict, 1902, p. 307. Chace, 1942, p. 39, fig. 15.

Geographic range.Throughout the Gulf Mexico; North coast of Cuba.

Bathymetric range. 45 to 180 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7102-9 (100) 1 f, 1 m T-7102-19 (65) 2 m; T-7110-13 (75) 1 ovig. 2 m; T-7110-21 (100) 1 f, 1 m; T-7115-6 (10 4 f, 5 m; T-7120-5 (100) 1 m; T-7120-13 (58) f, 5 m; T-7120-14 (96) 1 m; T7127-9 (112) f, 1 m; T-7127-16 (100) 7 ovig. 5 f, 4 m.

This species was captured throughout the year. From 10 stations, 45 specimens were obtained; the number of females and males ke almost equal proportion. Ovigerous females were taken in April and October.

M. forceps exhibited a distributional pattern largely concentrated on the eastern half of th northeastern Gulf of Mexico. This galatheoid was found inhabiting both the middle and she edge regions, but it showed more affinity f the latter area.

Munida microphthalma Milne Edwards, 1880.

Description. Benedict, 1902, p. 311. Chace, 1942, p. 40, fig. 16. Pequegnat and Pequegnat, 1970, p. 135, fig. 5-4.

Geographic range. West Indies and the Gulf of Mexico to Martinique and St. Vicent (370-1,030 fms.) . Eastern Atlantic, from the Bay of Biscay to Cape Verde Islands and Ascension Islands (343-1,183 fms.). South of Iceland (108-1,144 fms.).

Bathymetric range. 100 to 1,444 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-12 (101) 1 m; T-7110-21 (100) 1 m; T-7127-16 (100) 1 ovig. f, 2 m.

This uncommon species was captured during the spring and the fall, from three stations located on the shelf's edge off Cape San Blas, near the De Soto Canyon and the eastern section of the Mississippi Delta.

Munida pusilla Benedict, 1902.

Description.Benedict, 1902, p. 268, fig. 16. Chace, 1942, p. 33.

Geographic range. New Providence Island through the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea to off Venezuela.

Bathymetric range.27 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7115-3 (30) 15 m; T-7120-3 (33) 8 ovi. f, 30 m; T-7120-12 (27) 1 m.

This species occurred from the spring through summer. A total number of 78 specimens was obtained, the males clearly predominated over females by a ratio of 7: 1. Ovigerous females were taken in May and July.

M. pusillaappeared distributed in the area off Apalachicola Bay, along the 30 fathom isobath.

Munida sculptaBenedict, 1902.

Description.Benedict, 1902, p. 270, fig. 18. Chace, 1942, p. 44.

Geographic range.Northeastern and southeastern Gulf of Mexico, North coast of Cuba and Caribbean Sea.

Bathymetric range. Shelf edge (96-98 fms.) .

Material examined.T-7020-27 (98) 2 m.

Two male specimens of this species were obtained from a trawl made on the shelf edge off Tampa Bay.

Munidopsis alaminos Pequegnat and Pequegnat, 1970.

Description. Pequegnat and Pequegnat, 1970, p. 142, figs. 5-5, 5-6, 5-7.

Geographic range.Northwestern and northeaster Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Tropical Atlantic off French Guiana.

Bathymetric range. 275 to 452 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-49 (300) 2 m

Two subadult specimens were taken from the De Soto Canyon area. This is the second report ofM. alaminos in the northeastern Gulf in Mexico.

Pachycheles rugimanusMilne Edwards, 1880.

Description.Williams, 1965, p. 108, fig. 85.

Geographic range. Off Cape Lookout, N.C., through Florida to St. Thomas, V. I., and Cantcy Island, Mexico.

Bathymetric range. To depth of 79 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7115-2 (20) 1 ovig. f; T-7127-3 (244) 1 ovig. f.

This species was captured from the waters off Apalachicola Bay, and the area west of Cape San Blas along the 20 fathom curve. Bullis and Thompson (1965) recorded P. rugimanus from the vicinity of the above areas on depths of 30 to 65 fathoms.

Porcellana sayana (Leach, 1820).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 110, fig. 87.

Geographic range. Cape Hatteras, N.C., Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea to Bahia Caledonia, Panama; through West Indies to Venezuela and Surinam. -

Bathymetric range. Shallow waters to 48, 390 fathoms (Schmitt, 1935,vide Haig, 1956).

Material examined. T-7127-16 (100) 8 ovig. f, 5 m.

The only record of this species was obtained from the shelf edge of the eastern portion of the Mississippi Delta. The previous records of P. sayana(Haig, 1956; Williams, 1965, others) indicate that this porcellanid rarely occurs beyond the middle shelf region.

Porcellana sigsbeiana Milne Edwards, 1880.

Description.Williams, 1965, p. 111, fig. 88.

Geographic range. Off Martha's Vineyard, Mass., to northern Gulf of Mexico and southern Gulf of Mexico off Yucatan; West Indies to Virgin Islands.

Bathymetric range. 27 to 215 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7102-9 (100) 1 ovig. f; T-7102-19 (65) 2 m; T-7104-9 (50) 1 m; T-7115-4 (53) 1 m; T-7115-6 (100) 1 ovig. f, 3 m; T-7120-13 (58) 1 f; T-7120-31 (107) 1 m; T-7127-1 (100) 1 m; T-7127-8 (61) 1 f; T-7127-9 (122) 2 f, 1 m.

Although this species was not abundant, it did appear frequently in our collections. From 10 stations, a total number of 16 individuals was obtained. The males were more common than females by a ratio of 2:1. Ovigerous females were taken in January and May.

P. sigsbeiana is distributed from the area off Apalachicola Bay to vicinity of the De Soto Canyon region. This species was found inhabiting the outer shelf region, on dephs of 50 to 112 fathoms.

Paguristes sericeus Milne Edwards, 1880.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 117, fig. 93.

Geographic range.Off Cape Lookout, N.C., Florida Keys to Virgin Islands.

Bathymetric range. 5 to 55 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7109-4 (55) 1 f; T7110-10 (21) 1 m; T7114-38 (12) 1 ovig. f; T-7120-1 (13) 1 m; T-7127-3 1 m.

Only four specimens of P. sericeuswere collected from the spring through the fall. An aditional specimen was obtained from the waters off Tampa Bay.

This species was found distributed in the area comprised between Cape St. George to off Pensacola Bay, on depths ranging from 12 to 55 fathoms.

Paguristes tortugae Schmitt, 1933.

Description. Provenzano, 1959, p. 38, fig. 11.

Geographic range. Reefs off Beaufort, N.C., to southern Florida; through West Indies to Surinam.

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 20 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7114-38 (12) 1 m.

A single individual of this species was obtained off Tampa Bay.

Paguristes puncticepsBenedict, 1901.

Description. Provenzano, 1959, p. 384, fig. 16A.

Geographic range.Northwest Florida, south through the West Indies.

Bathymetric range.Shallow water to 51 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-14 (51) 1 f; T7127-24 (30) 1 m.

The two records of this species were obtained during the spring and fall, respectively.

P. putcticeps was found inhabiting the arca near the middle shelf off the Choctawhatchee Bay and east of the Mississippi Delta.

Petrochirus diogenes(Linnaeus).

Description.Provenzano, 1959, p. 378, fig. 8.

Geographic range.Off Cape Lookout, N.C., to Brasil; West Indies.

Bathymetric range. 1 to 50 fathoms,

Material examined. T-7104-9 (50) 1 m; T-7110-1 (11) 1 f; T7110-5 (28) 2 m; T-7114-39 (30) 1 m; T-7115-8 (20) 1 m; T7120-2 (23) m; T-7127-18 (21) 1 m.

This species occurred throughout the year. From six stations, 7 specimens, mostly males, were obtained. An dditional specimen was taken from the waters off Tampa Bay.

P. diogenes was mainly distributed within the limits of the inner shelf of the arca extended from off Apalachicola Bay to the proximity of Mobile Bay. Only in one occasion, this pagurid was captured on the middle shelf region.

Dardanus insignis(Saussure, 1858).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 124, fig. 100.

Geographic range. Off Oregon Inlet, N.C., to Port Aransas, Texas; through West Indies to Guadalupe.

Bathymetric range. 10 to 124 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7104-9 (50) 2 m; T7110-12 (100) 1 m; T-7110-18 (20) 1 m; T-7110-21 (100) 1 m; T-1175-9 (10) 1 m; T-7120-12 (29) 1 m; T-7127-1 (100) 1 m; T-7127-3 (24) 1 m; T-7127-8 (61) 1 m; T-7127-18 (21) 1 m;T-7127-24 (30) 2 m.

This species was fairly common throughout this study; usually a single specimen was taken in the collections made from February through October. From eleven stations, a total number of 13 male individuals was obtained.

D. insignis showed a wide distributional pattern in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, which extended from the arca off Apalachicola Bay to the eastern section of the Mississippi Delta. However, this pagurid appeared mostly congregated on the eastem half of the arca of study. This species was recorded from both inner and outer shelf regions, on depths of 10 to 100 fathoms.

Pagurus defensus (Benedict, 1892).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 127, fig. 102.

Geographic range. Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout, N.C., Tortugas, Florida to Alabama.

Bathymetric range. 16 to 51 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-2 (20) 1 f; T-7110-5 (28) 1 m; T-7110-14 (51) 2 ovig. f, 2 m; T-7110-18 (20) 1 f; T-7120-33 (20) 1 f; T-7127-12 (27) 1 m.

Most of the records of P. defensus were obtained during the early spring, and just two in the summer and fall. A total number of 9 specimens was collected; females and males occurred almost in equal proportion. Ovigerous females were taken in April.

This species was distributed from the area off Cape San Blas, westward to off Perdido Bay, generally near the 20 fathom isobath.

Pagurus impressus (Benedict, 1892)

Description. Provenzano, 1959, p. 399, fig. 15. Williams, 1965, p. 129, fig. 104.

Geographic range. Off Diamond Shoal, N.C., to east coast of Florida; Western Florida from Sanibel Island to Alligator Harbor; Port Aransas, Texas.

Bathymetric range. 6 to 18 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-1 (13) 1

A single specimen was captured off the Dog Island during the summer.

Pylopagurus corallinus(Benedict, 1892).

Descripcion. Williams, 1965, p. 134, fig. 110.

Geographic range.Off Cape Lookout, N.C., to Gulf of Mexico, between Cedar Keys Florida and Mississippi Delta; off Cape Catoche, Yuc., Mex.

Bathymetric range. 7 to 65 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-2 (20) 1 m; T-7110-15 (27) 2 m; T-7110-18 (20) 1 m; T-7120-2 (23) 1 m; T-7120-8 (23) 1 m; T-7120-33 (20) 1 ovig. f, 3 m; T-7127-3 (24) 1 m; T-7127-7 (23) 1 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7127-12 (27) 1 m.

This species occurred from the spring through the fall. From ten stations, 16 specimens mostly males, were collected. Ovigerous females appeared in April, July and October.

P. corallinuswas distributed from the area off Apalachicola Bay to Pensacola Bay, along the 20 fathom isobath.

Pylopagurus discoidalis (Milne Edwards, 1880).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 134, fig. 109.

Geographic range.Off North Carolina capes, through eastern Gulf of Mexico and West Indies to mouth of Amazonas River, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 25 to 508 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-11 (100) 1 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7110-21 (100) 1 ovig. f, 3 m; T-7120-11 (25) 1 m; T-7120-12 (26) 1 ovig. f; T-7120-31 (107) 1 m.

P. discoidalisoccurred during the spring and the summer. Only 9 specimens were obtained from five stations located in the vicinity of Panama City, and the surrounding area of the De Soto Canyon. This pagurid was recorded from depths of 25 to 107 fathoms, however, 7 specimens out of 9 were taken from the shelf edge. Ovigerous females were collected in April and July.

Albunea gibbessi Stimpson, 1859.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 136, fig. 112.

Geographic range. East of Cape Lookout, N. C., to Texas; through West Indies to Sao Sebastiao, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. Low tide mark to 35 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7115-8 (20) 1 f.

The only record of this sand dweller was obtained in the area off Cape St. George during the early spring.

Raninoides louisianensis Rathbun, 1933.

Description. Rathbun, 1937, p. 12, figs. 6, 7, pl. 1, figs. 5, 6.

Geographic range. Gulf of Mexico; Southcastem Caribbean (Holthuis,In: Bayeret al.,1970).

Bathymetric range. 13 to 250 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-32 (68) 1 f; T7127-16 (100) 1 ovig. f, 1 m.

The two records of this species were obtained during the summer and fall. On ovigerous female was taken in October.

R. louisianensis was found distributed within the outer shelf region, near the head of the De Soto Canyon and the eastern section of the Mississippi Delta. According, to Pequegnat (1970) this species is more likely o be found across the middle and outer continental shelf to the upper part of the continental slope down to at least 115 fathoms

Dromidia antillensisStimpson, 1858.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 143, fig. 118.

Geographic range.Off Cape Hatteras, N.C., through the Gulf of Mexico and the West Indies, to State of Bahia, Brazil; Bermuda.

Bathymetric range. Shore line to 170 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7102-15 (22) 1 m; T-7102-16 (12) 1 m; T-7103-1 (10) 1 m; T-7110-1 (11) 1 f; T-7110-2 (20) 1 ovig. f; T-7114-38 (12) 1 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7120-3 (33) 1 m; T-7120-8 (23) 2 f; T-7120-9 (11) 1 m; T-2170-33 (20) 1 m; T-7127-7 (23) 1 ovig. f.

Even though D. antillensiswas not abundant in our collections, it did appear frequently throughout the year. From ten stations, 11 specimens were captured; females and males occurred in equal number. Two additional specimens were obtained from the waters off Tampa Bay. Ovigero us females were taken in April, May and October.

This species seems to be confined to the eastern half of the area of study. It was found distributed off Apalachicola Bay westward to Choctawhatchee Bay, to depths of 10 to 33 fathoms.

Hypoconcha arcuata Stimpson, 1858.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 144, fig. 119.

Geographic range. Off Cape Lookout, N.C., to West Florida; St. Thomas V.I; Surinam to State of Spirito Santo, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 33 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7115-2 (20) 1 m; T-7120-3 (33) 1 f; T-7125-8 (20) 1 m.

Only three specimens of H. arcuatawere collected from the spring through fall, in the waters off Apalachicola Bay.

Hypoconcha sabulosa (Herbts, 1799).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 145, fig. 120.

Geographic range. Off Cape Hatteras, N.C., to Sabine, Texas; Jamaica; Guianas; Maranhao to Bahia, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 49 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7120-11 (25) 1 ovig. f; T-7120-33 (20) 1 f.

The two records of this species were obtained in the summer, from the area comprised between Panama City and Choctawhatchee Bay; both captures were made on the 20 fathom curve.

Ethusa microphthalmaSmith, 1881.

Description.Rathbun, 1937, p. 82, pl. 22, fig. 3, pl. 23, fig. 3.

Geographic range. Western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Cuba, norteastern Caribbean Sea and all sections of the Gulf of Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 100 to 411 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-11 (100) 1 m; T-7110-12 (101) 1 f; T-7120-5 (100) 1 m; T-7120-144 (96) 1 T-7127-9 (112) 2 f, 2 m; T-7127-16 (100) 2 m.

This species occurred almost throughout the year, but usually only few specimens appeared in our hauls. From six stations, 10 individuals were taken. The males were more common than females by a factor of 2.

E. microphthalma was found distributed along the shelf edge of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, particularly on the eastern section.

Ethusa tenuipes Rathbun, 1897.

Description. Rathbun, 1937, p. 87, pl. 24, fig. 3, pl. 25, fig. 3.

Geographic range. Off North Carolina; East Florida to Gulf of Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 25 to 220 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-13 (75) 1 m; T-7110-21 (100) 1 m; T-7115-6 (100) 4 m; T-7120-31 (107) 1 f; T-7120-14 (96) 1 m; T-7127-7 (100) 1 m.

This species was captured from the spring through the fall. From six stations, 9 specimen, mostly males, were obtained.

The distributional pattern of this species appeared largely confined to the shelf edge of the eastern half of the area of study. M. tenuipes and its congener M. microphthalma, inhabit the same ecological region however, they seldom were taken from the same haul.

Homola barbata (Fabricius, 1793).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 146, fig. 121.

Geographic range. Off southern Massachusetts to Caribbean Sea; eastern Atlantic from Fortugal and Azores to Madeira Islands; Mediterranean Sea; South Africa.

Bathymetric range. 30 to 373 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-6 (101) 1 ovig. f.

This uncommon species was captured from the edge of the continental margin off Cape San Blas.

Callidactylus asperStimpson, 1871.

Description. Rathbun, 1937, p. 193, pl. 58, figs. 1-3.

Geographic rangeOff North Carolina; northwestern coast of Florida, Tortugas, Fla.; east coast of Haiti, northern coast of Brazil.

Bathymetric range.14 to 50 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-15 (27) 1 m.

The record of this species was obtained from the inner shelf off Choctawhatchee Bay.

Iliacantha intermediaMiers, 1886.

Description.Williams, 1965, p. 151, fig. 129.

Geographic range. Off Beaufort, N.C., to norhtwest Florida; St. Thomas, V. I.; Venezuela; Bahia, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 6 to 180 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7125-3 (30) 1 m.

This species was captured in the area off the Apalachicola Bay near the 30 fathom curve.

Iliacantha subglobossa Stimpson, 1871.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 150, fig. 128.

Geographic range. Western Atlantic, from North Carolina through the Antilles to State of Alagoas, Brazil. Bathymetric range. 15 to 215 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-14 (51) 1 f, 2 m; T-71154 (50) 1 m.

The two records of this species were obtained during the spring, from the middle shelf region off the Bays of Apalachicola and Choctawhatchee,

Myropsis quinquespinosaStimpson, 1871.

Description. Rathbun, 1937, p. 164, pl. 46, figs. 1-3.

Geographic range.Massachusetts to Venezuela and in all quadrants of the Gulf of Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 24 to 572 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7018-5 (31) 1 ovig, f, 1 m; T-7018-8 (101) 1 ovig. 1 f; T-7102-19 (65) 1 m; T-71034 4 (51) 1 ovig. 1 f, 1 m; T-7110-4 (100) 1 ovig. f; T7110-12 (101) 1 ovig. f, 2. m; T-7110-13 (75) 4 ovig. f, 4 m; T-7110-21 (100) 3 f, 4 m; T-7115 (100) 4 m; T-7120-13 (58) 1 m; T-7120-14 (96) 5 m; T-7120-31 (107) 1 f, 1 m; T-7127-1 (100) 1 m; T-7127-3 (24) 1 f; T-7127-9 (112) 18 m.

This species occurred all year round, being particularly abundant during the spring and fall. A total number of 59 specimens was captured; the males clearly outnumbered the females by a factor of 3. Ovigerous females were taken in January, April, and September.

M. quinquespinosaappeared confined to the area comprised between Apalachicola Bay to the eastern portion of the De Soto Canyon. This species was found inhabiting both the inner and outer continental shelf, on depths ranging from 24 to 112 fathoms.

Persephona mediterranea (Herbts, 1794).

Description. Persephona punctata aquilonarisRathbun, Williams, 1965, p. 150, fig. 127.

Geographic range. New jersey to Campeche, Mexico; Antillas; Guadeloupe; Puerto Rico; French Guiana; Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 2 to 30 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-1 (11) 1 m; T-7115-9 (10) 2 f

This species was obtained from the shallow area off Cape St. George.

Acanthocarpus alexandriStimpson, 1871.

Description.Williams, 1965, p. 156, fig. 137.

Geographic range. Massachusetts to northeastern Gulf of Mexico; Puerto Rico to Grenadines; Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 31 ot 260 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7018-5 (31) 5 f, 2 m; T-7018-18 (102) 3 m; T-7102-9 (100) 1 ovig. f; T7102-10 (50) 2 ovig. 3 f; T-7102-13 (67) 2 f; T-71047 (100) 1 m; T-7110-11 (100) 5 f, 3 m; T-7110-12 (101) 1 f, 10 m; T-7110-13 (75) 1 f, 3 m; T-7110-21 (100) 31 f, 25 m; T-7115-6 (100) 6 f, 3 m; T-7120-5 (100) 1 m; T-7120-13 (58) 1 m; T-7120-14 (96) 1 f, 1 m; T-7120-32 (68) 1 m; T-7120-34 (100) 1 m; T7125-5 (100) 2 f; T-7127-1 (100) 5 m; T-7127-9 (112) 1 ovig. f, 9 m; T-7127-16 (100) 1 ovig. f, 1 m.

This species occurred fairly common throughout the year, being considerably abundant toward the spring. From 21 stations, a total of 132 specimens was obtained; males were slightly predominant over the females. Ovigerous females were taken in January, April, and October.

A. alexandri was found distributed along the outer shelf of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, particularly in the area south of Cape San Blas to the head of De Soto Canyon. Although this species was also recorded from the inner shelf region, more than 60% of the individuals were captured on depths of 75 to 112 fathoms.

Calappa angusta Milne Edwards, 1880.

Description. Rathbun, 1937, p. 210, pl. 64, figs. 1-6. Williams, 1965, p. 154, fig. 134.

Geographic range. Off Cape Lookout, N.C., through eastern Gulf of Mexico, to Grenada; Barbados.

Bathymetric range. 8 to 150 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7109-4 (55) 1 in; T-7110-3 (50) 1 ovig., 1 f.

This calappid was taken from the middle shelf region off Apalachicola Bay during the spring.

Calapa sulcataRathbun, 1898.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 155, figs. 135, 136.

Geographic range.Cape Hatteras, N.C., to Gulf of Mexico; through West Indies to French Guiana; Amapá to Sergipe, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. Shore to 100 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7120-52 (33) 1 m; T7127-24 (30) 1 f, 1 m.

The two records of this species were obtained in the summer and fall, respectively. Both captures were made on the eastern section of the Mississippi Delta near the 30 fathom isobath.

Hepatus epheliticus(Linnaeus, 1763).

Description.Williams, 1965, p. 158, fig. 140.

Geographic range. Chesapeake Bay to Gulf of Campeche, Mexico; Cuba; Jamaica; Dominican Republic.

Bathymetric range.Shallow water to 30 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7110-1 (11) 4 f, 3 m; T-7115-9 (11) 2 ovig. 1 f, 8 m; T-7120-9 (11) 1 f; T-7127-25 (25) 1 f.

This species was mainly captured in the spring, and just few specimens were obtained throughout the summer and fall. From four stations, 20 individuals, mostly juvenile forms, were collected. Ovigerous female were taken in May.

H. epheliticusappeared clearly congregated in the shallow area off Cape St. George, and only in one occasion was taken near the Mississippi Delta.

Osachila tuberosa Stimpson, 1871.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 159, fig. 141.

Geographic range. Off Cape Hatteras, N.C., to eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Bathimetric range. 36 to 100 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-14 (51) 2

This species was obtained from the middle shelf region off Choctawhatchee Bay.

Callinectes similis Williams , 1966.

Description. Williams, 1966, p. 87, figs. 3, 4E, 4F.

Geographic range.New Jersey to State of Campeche and Yucatan, Mexico.

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 50 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-9 (11) 1 m; T-7127-24 (30) 2 f; T-7127-25 (25) 1 m.

The records of this portunid were obtained during the summer and fall from the inner shelf reoion off Cape St. George and east of the Mississippi Delta, respectively.

Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896.

Description. Rathbun, 1930, p. 99, pl. 47. Williams, 1965, p. 168, fig. 151.

Geographic range. Nova Scotia to Uruguay; Bermuda; Easter Atlantic; Eastern Mediterranean.

Batrimetric range. Water edge to 49 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-9 (11) 1 ovig. f.

This species was captured together withC. similis in the area off Cape St. George.

Benthochascon schmittiRathbun, 1931.

Description. Rathbun, 1931, p. 125, pls. 1 and 2.

Geographic range.South of Nantucket, Mass.; Straits of Florida; Gulf of Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 110 to 279 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-9 (200) 4 f, 4

This species was taken from the upper continental slope of the De Soto Canyon area. A considerable number of specimens were recovered from this haul but just a representative portion was preserved. According to the density values given by Pequegnat (1970), the population ofB. schmitties mainly congregated at a depth of 150 fathoms and becomes less numerous down to 272 fathoms.

Ovalipes floridanus Hay and Shore, 1918.

Description. Ovalipes guadulpensis.Williams, 1965, p. 161. Ovalipes floridanus. Williams, 1976, p. 206, fig. la-d.

Geographis range. Southwest Florida to Port Aransas, Texas.

Bathymetric range. Surface to 20 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7110-1 (11) 1 m; T-7110-2 (20) 1 f, 1 m; T-7110-16 (11) 3m.

This species was only captured during the early spring. From our collections, 6 specimen, predominantly males were obtained.

O. floridanus was found distributed from the area off Cape St. George to the proximity of Choctawhatchee Bay, on depths of 11 to 20 fathoms.

Portunus gibbesii (Stimpson, 1859).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 164, fig. 146.

Geographic range.Southern. Massachusetts to Texas; Venezuela; Surinam.

Bathymetric range. Surface to 48 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-9 (11) 1 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7120-55 (17) 1 ovig. f, 2 m.

This portunid was occasionally captured during the summer, from two stations located off Cape St. George and off Mobile Bay, respectively; both stations were situated near the 10 fathom isobath.

Abele (1970) reported P. gibesii as the predominant portunid in the coastal areas of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.

Portunus ordwayi(Stimpson, 1860).

Description.Williams, 1965, p. 166, fig. 148.

Geographic range. Vineyard Sound, Mass.; North Carolina through Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and West Indies to State of Bahia, Brazil; Bermuda.

Bathymetric range. Surface to 180 fathonis (M/V COMBAT, Sta. 119).

Material examined.T-7018-3 (22) 2 f, 2 m; T-71032 (20) 3 f, 3 m; T-7103-3 (30) 2 f; T-7114-38 (22) 1 ovig. f; T-7115-2 (20) 2 m.

This species occurred throughout the year. From four stations, all of them located off Apalachicola Bay, a total of 16 specimens was taken. One additional specimen, an ovigerous female, was obtained from the waters off Tampa Boy. In this study, P. ordwayi presented a rather narrow depth range from 20 to 30 fathoms.

Portunus spinicarpus (Stimpson, 1871).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 167, fig. 150. Holthuis, 1969, p. 415.

Geographic range.Cape Hatteras, N.C., to State of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 5 to 300 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7018-8 (102) 1 m; T-71023-9 (10) 3 ovig., 10 f; T-7102-13 (67) 3. ovig. f, 2 m; T-7102-19 (65) 1 f, 2 m; T-7103-2 (22) 5 m; T-7103-4 (51) 7 ovig. 2 f, 15 m; T7104-7 (100) 1 ovig. 1 f; T7104-9 (50) 1 ovig. 3 f, 1 m; T-7109-3 (30) 1 m; T-7109-4 (55) 12 f , 14 m; T-7110-1 (11) 11 f, 16 m; T-7110-2 (20) 1 m; T-7110-3 (50) 2 m; T-7110-4 (100) 1 ovig. f; T-7110-14 (51) 5 f, 3 m; T-7110-20 (40) 1 ovig. f, 5 m; (T-7115-2 (20) 1 ovig. 1 f, 8 m; T-71153 (30) 1 f; T-7115-4 (50) 3 ovig. f; T-7115-6 (100) 4 ovig. 2 f, 1 m; T-7115-7 (50) 9 ovig. 5 f, 1 m; T-7120-3 (33) 9 f; T-7120-7 (53) 1 f; T-7120-50 (25) 6 f, 2 m; T-7120-51 (20) 1 f; T-7120-54 (25) 4 f, 1 m; T-7125-3 (30) 2 f, 3 m; T-7125-7 (50) 3 m.

P. spinicarpus was by far the most abundant portunid captured throughout this study. There was a considerable degree of fluctuation in the number of individuals obtained in each season. However, this species seemed to be more common during the winter and the early spring. From 28 stations, 197 specimens were collected. The females were slightly more frequent than the males. Ovigerous females were taken in january, February, April, May and November.

This species was found distributed in both eastern and western half of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, although the records of this portunid appeared concentrated in the former region. In spite of its wide bathymetric range, P. spinicarpus was mainly captured within the inner shelf boundaries.

Recently, Holthuis reviewed the morphological features of this species, in relation to the new species Portunus binoculus Holthuis, 1969; both species present certain characteristics in common however they are easily distinguished by the different color pattern and other features that Holthuis described in detail. Although P. spinicarpus and P. binoculuspresent overlapping geographic ranges, the latter species appears rather rectricted to the Caribbean region and the arca adjacent to the Straits of Florida.

Portunus spinimanusLatreille, 1819.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 165, fig. 147.

Geographic range.New Jersey through Gulf of Mexico and West Indies to southern Brazil; Bermuda.

Bathymetric range. Surface to 50 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7102-15 (22) 2 ovig. f; T-7103-2 (20) 4 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7103-3 (30) 5 ovig. 3 f; T-7109-1 (10) 1 m; T-7109-3 (30) 4 f; T-7110-1 (10) 3 ovig. 1 f, 1 m; T-7120-1 (13) 1 m; T-7120-9 (10) 1 m; T-7125-2 (20) 2 ovig. f; T-7125-8 (20) 1 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7125-9 (10) 1 m; T-7127-26 (50) 8 ovig. 10 f, 14 m.

P. spinimanus was also fairly common during the course of this study but it was not as numerous as the preceding species. This portunid was regularly taken in the fall and winter season . A total number of 65 specimens was obtained from 12 stations; females outnumbered the males by a factor of 2. Ovigerous females were taken in January, April, September, and October.

This distributional pattern ofP. spinimanus is quite similar to the one described for the preceding species. Most of the records for this portunid were taken from the arca south of Apalachicola Bay. However, the largest number of specimens was obtained from the middle shelf region off the Mississippi Delta.

Carposporus PapulosusStimpson, 1871.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 186, figs. 168, 183B.

Geographic range.Between Cape Hatteras and Lookout, N.C., northeastern Gulf of Mexico; Cape Catoche, Yucatan, Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 18 to 62 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7109-3 (30) 1 m; T-7115-8 (20) 1 m; T-7120-8 (22) 1 ovig. 1 f, 1 m; T-7120-50 (25) 1 f; T-7125-3 (30) 1 m.

This species was rather uncommon throughout our collections in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. From five stations, 7 specimens were taken during the spring through the fall. One ovigerous female was obtaíned in July.

C. Papulosus appeared manly distributed on the inner shelf region, off Apalachicola Bay, between the 20 and 30 fathom isobath. Only in one occasion this species was recorded from the eastern section of the Mississippi Delta.

Eurypanopeus abbreviatus(Stimpson, 1860).

Description.Rathbun, 1930, p. 405, fig. 63, pl. 172, figs. 1-2. Williams, 1965, p. 194, figs. 178, 183K.

Geographic range. South Carolina, through West Indies and Gulf of Mexico to State of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. Shore and shallow water to unknown depth (Williams, 1965).

Material examined. T-7127-26 (50) 1 f, 1

The record of this xanthid was obtained from the middle shelf region off the Mississippi Delta.

Nanoplax xanthiformis (Milne Edwards, 1880).

Description. Micropanope xanthiformis. Williams, 1965, p. 193, figs. 176, 1831.Nanoplax xanthiformis. Guinot, 1967a, p. 362, fig. 16.

Geographic range.Cape Hatteras, N.C., Florida through Gulf of Mexico and West Indies to Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Yucatan.

Bathymetric range. 8 to 182 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7127-1 (100) 2 m; T-7127-9 (112) 1 f; T-7127-10 (82) 1 m; T-7127-16 (100) 6 ovig. 4 f, 19 m.

All the records ofN. xanthiformis were obtained during the fall. From four stations, 33 specimens were recovered. The males were more common than females by a factor of 2.

This species appeared distributed along the edge of the continental shelf of the arca adjacent to De Soto Canyon.

Lobopilumnus agassizzi(Stimpson, 1871).

Description.Williams, 1965, p. 181, figs. 157G, 163.

Geographic range.North Carolina; southern and western Florida; Yucatan, Mexico; Cuba; Trinidad; Bermuda.

Bathymetric range. Lowtide mark to 28 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7103-1 (10) 2 f; T-7103-2 1 m; T-7109-1 (10) 1 f, 1 m; T-7110-16 (11) 1 f; T-7115-1 (10) 1 ovig. f; T-715-2 (20) 1 f; T-7115-8 (20) 1 m; T-7120-2 (23) 1 ovig. f; T-7125-1 (10) 1 ovig. 1 f, 1 m.

This species occurred throughouth the year. A total of 14 specimens were taken from 9 stations; females outnumbered the males by a factor of 2. Ovigerous females were captured in May, July, and September.

L. agassizii was found largely confined to the waters off Apalachicola Bay and was seldom found near the Choctawhatchee Bay. This species was always captured between the isobath of 10 and 20 fathoms.

Pilumnus dasypodusKingsley, 1879.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 178, figs. 157C, 159.

Geographic range. Off Cape Hatteras, N.C., through Gulf of Mexico and West Indies to State of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 2 to 16 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7103-1 (10) 1 m; T-7114-38 (12) 1 m; T-7120-1 (13) 1 ovig. f.

Only 2 male specimens were captured from the same locality, off Dog Island, in the winter and summer, respectively. An ovigerous female was taken from the waters off Tampa Bay, in May. All these records were obtained near the 10 fathom line.

Pilumnus sayi Rathbun, 1897.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 177, figs. 157A, B; 158.

Geographic range.North Carolina through Gulf of Mexico and West Indies to Curacao.

Bathymetric range. From low-water mark to 49 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7103-1 (10) 3 f; T-7109-1 (10) 3 m; T-7114-38 (12) 1 ovig. f; T-7115-1 (10) 2 m; T-7127-1 (10) 1 ovig. 2 f.

Usually, 2 or 3 specimens ofP. sayi were regularly taken through the year from one station located off Dog Island, on the 10 fathom isobath. A total of 11 specimens were obtained; females were predominant over the males by a factor of 2. Ovigerous females were taken in May and September.

Tetraxanthus rathbunae Chace, 1939.

Description. Tetraxanthus bidentatus. Rathbun, 1930, p. 458, pl. 184. Tetraxanthus rathbunae. Chace, 1939, p. 52; 1940, p. 37.

Geographic range. Western Atlantic from North Carolina to Grenada, along both coasts of Cuba into the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and eastern half of the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 15 to 250 fathoms (M/V COMBAT, Sta. 446).

Material examined. T-7018-8 (102) 3 ovig. f, 6 m; T-7102-13 (67) 1 ovig. f; T-7102-19 (65) 1 f; T-7110-9 (200) 1 m; T-7120-14 (96) 1 m; T-7120-32 (68- 3 ovig. f, 2 m; T-7127-1 (100) 2 m; T-7127-9 (112) 1 m.

This species was fairly common throughout the year. In general, one or two specimens, exceptionally nine, were taken from the same haul. A total of 21 individuals were obtained from 8 stations. Ovigerous females were captured in January, July and September.

T. rathbunae was found distributed on the eastern half of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, in the area comprised between Cape San Blas and De Soto Canyon. The depth range of this species extended from near the middle shelf to the upper continental slope.

Euryplax nitida Stimpson, 1859.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 202, fig. 185

Geographic range. Off Beaufort, N.C., to Texas, West Indies to St. Thomas; Bermuda.

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 49 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7120-1 (13) 1 m.

The only record of this species was obtained from the waters off Dog Island, near the 10 fathom curve.

Euryplax sp.

One male specimen was taken of this uncommon goneplacid, from the middle shelf region off the Apalachicola Bay: T-7109 (55) 1 m. The morphological features exhibited by this specimen were quite unusual, however, there is the possibility that it might be an aberrant individual (H B. Roberts, personal communication). Dr. Danièle Guinot, from the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle of Paris, is currently studying this material.

Frevillea hirsuta (Borradaile, 1916).

Description. Goneplax hirsuta.Williams, 1965, p. 201, fig. 184.Frevillea irsuta. Guinot, 1969, p. 513, pl. 11, fig. 3; figs. 58-59.

Geographic range.North Carolina to Rio de Janeiro.

Bathymetric range. 40 to 200 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7102-19 (65) 2 m; T-7110-9 (200) 3 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7110-13 (75) 1 m; T-7115-6 (100) 2 f, 5 m; T-7120-32 (100) 1 f. 2 m.; T-7125-5 (100) 1 ovig. 1 f.

This species was captured throughout the year, especially in the spring. From 6 stations, a total of 19 specimens were taken and both females and males appeared in almost equal number. Ovigerous females were obtained in April and September.

The distributional pattern of this species was confined to the eastern half of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, extending a.long the outer shelf region south of Cape San Blas to the vicinity of De Soto Canyon.

Dissodactylus crinitichelis Moreira, 1901.

Description. Dissodactylus encopei.Rathbun, 1918, p. 119, pl. 27, figs. 1-4.

Geographic range. Off North Carolina; west coast of Florida to Rio Grand do Sul, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. Shore to 40 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-20 (40) 1 ovig. f, 2 m.

This species was taken among several sand dollars(Encope sp)captured near the middle shelf region off Cape San Blas.

Palicus cursor (Milne Edwards, 1880).

Description. Cymopolia cursor.Rathbun, 1918, p. 215, figs. 130-131; pl. 52, figs. 1-2.

Geographic range. Off Cape Hatteras, N.C., from Gulf of Mexico to Florida Straits and Barbados; north and south coast of Cuba.

Bathymetric range. 101 to 290 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-12 (101) 2 ovig. f.

This species was taken from the shelf edge near the De Soto Canyon head. Rahtbun (1918) reported this palicid from one station occupied by the Albatross off Cape San Blas.

Palicus faxoni Rathbun, 1897.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 216. fig. 201.

Geographic range. Off North Carolina; off Jacksonville, Fla.; northeastern Gulf of Mexico; off Yucatan, Mexico; off Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 24 to 100 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-21 (100) 1 m; T-7127-3 (24) 1 ovig. f.

The two records of this species were obtained from the inner and outer shelf region west of Cape San Blas during the early spring and fall, respectively.

Palicus obesus (Milne Edwards, 1880).

Description. Cymopolia obesa.Rathbun, 1918, p. 205, fig. 125, pl. 49.

Geographic range.Gulf of Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 13 to 120 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-11 (100) 1 ovig. f; T-7110-13 (75) 1 ovig. f; T-7110-21 (100) 1 ovig. 1 f; T-7127-1 (100) 1 f, 2 m; T-7127-9 (112) 2 m; T-7018-8 (100) 1 m.

This species was captured in the spring and fall. From 7 stations, a total of 12 specimens was obtained. Ovigerous females were taken in April.

The distributional pattern of this palicid appeared clearly confined to the outer shelf region of the eastern half of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, including the area comprised between off Cape San Blas and the De Soto Canyon. All the specimens but one were taken from the shelf edge.

Aepinus septemspinosus (Milde Edwards, 1879).

Description. Rathbun, 1925, p. 92, fig. 28, pl. 32, figs. 3-4.

Geographic range. Bahama Banks; Strait of Florida; Gulf of Mexico; St. Thomas nd Puerto Rico; Island of Fernando Noronha, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 7 to 80 fathoms (Coelho, 1971).

Material examined.T-7120-33 (20) 1 ovig. f.

This uncommon species was obtained from the area off Choctawhatchee Bay, close to the 20 fathom isobath. This small crab was previously recorded by Rathbun (1925) from south of Apalachicola Bay.

Anasimus latusRathbun, 1894.

Description.Rathbun, 1925, p. 64, pl. 214. Williams, 1965, p. 240, figs. 217, 223F.

Geographic range. Off Cape Lookout, N.C., to Tabasco, Mexico; West of Trinidad, and off Surinam; northeast of Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 26 to 86 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7102-19 (65) 1 m; T-7120-13 (58) 3 ovig. f, 3 m; T-7120-32 (68) 4 ovig. f, 3 m; T-7125-7 (50) 2 ovig. f; T-7127-26 (50) 22 ovig. f, 15 m.

This species was captured throughout the year, being particularly numerous during the fall season. A total of 59 specimens was taken of which 59% were ovigerous females.

A. latuswas found distributed from off the Mississippi Delta to the waters off Cape San Blas, along the moddle shelf region.

Bathachonotus fragosus Stimpson, 1871.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 238, figs. 214, 223C.

Geographic range. Cape Hatteras, N. C. to southern and western Florida; West Indies to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. Shore line to 75 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7109-4 (55) 1 m.

The record of this species was obtained from the middle shelf region off Apalachicola Bay. Apparently, this crab is more commonly found in the inshore areas of northwestern Florida (Hulings, 1961; Abele, 1970).

Collodes leptochelesRathbun, 1894.

Description.Rathbun, 1925, p. 117, fig. 42, pl. 38, figs. 5-6.

Geographic range. Restricted to the Gulf of Mexico. Not as yet found in the southeastern quadrant (Pequegnat, 1970).

Bathymetric range. 68 to 210 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7110-9 (200) 1 m; T-7110-13 (75) 1 f; T-7110-21 (100) 1 f; T-7115-6 (100) 1 m; T-71279-9 (112) 2 ovig. f; T7127-16 (100) 1 m.

C. leptochelesappeared in our collections made during the spring and fall. Only 7 individuals of this species were obtained. Ovigerous females were taken in October.

This species exhibited a well-defined distributional pattern along the edge of the continental shelf of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.

Collodes trispinosusStimpson, 1871.

Description.Williams, 1965, p. 239, figs. 215, 223D.

Geographic range. Near Cape Hatteras, N.C., to south and west Florida.

Bathymetric range. 4 to 100 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-17 (7) 1 ovig. f; T-712011 (25) 1 ovig. f; T-7120-33 (20) 2 m; T-7120-34 (100) 3 m.

This species mainly occurred during the summer. From 4 stations, 7 specimens were obtained. Ovigerous females were taken in April and July

C. trispinosus appeared distributed in the arca comprised between Panama City and the De Soto Canyon head. This species was found inhabiting both inner and outer continental shelf.

Metoporhaphis calcarata (Say, 1818).

Description.Williams, 1965, p. 243, figs. 221, 223J.

Geographic range. Off Cape Hatteras, N.C., to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bathymetric range.Shallow water to 49 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-17 (7) 1 m; T7127-22 (12) 1 m.

The two records of this species were obtained during the spring and fall from the vicinity of Panama City, Fla., and Breton Sound, La.; both captures were made near the 10 fathom isobath. This species is a common component of the decapod fauna of the coastal arca of northwestern Florida (Wass, 1955; Abele, 1970) and an abundant element in the Everglades zone (Rouse, 1970).

Podochela gracilipesStimpson, 1871.

Description. Rathbun, 1925, p. 47, fig. 12, pl. 17. Williams, 1965, p. 243, figs. 220, 2231.

Geographic range. Off Cape Lookout, N.C., to Gulf of Mexico; Caribbean Sea to Colombia and Barbados; Cabo Frio, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 3 to 120 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-8 (23) 1 f; T-7120-14 (96) 1 ovig. f.

This species was only captured during the summer from two stations located off Cape San Blas, on depths of 23 and 96 fathoms, respectively.

Podochela lamelligera (Stimpson, 1871).

Description. Rathbun, 1925, p. 52, pl. 20, figs. 1-2.

Geographic range. From Cape Florida through Straits of Florida to Gulf Coast.

Bathymetric range. 21 to 60 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7115-4 (50) 2 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7127-3 (24) 1 ovig. f.

This species has been taken from the middle shelf region off Apalachicola Bay and west of Cape San Blas near the 20 fathom curve.

Podochela riiseiStimpson, 1860.

Description.Rathbun, 1925, p. 33, fig. 9 a-b; pl. 11, figs. 1-2; pl. 208, fig. 2. Williams, 1965, p. 241, figs. 218, 223G.

Geographic range.North Carolina to Campeche, Mexico; through West Indies to St. Thomas; Rio de Janeiro and south of Pernambuco, Brazil; Bermuda.

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 49 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7120-2 (23) 1 ovig. f.

Only one ovigerous female of this species was taken from the shallow arca off the Dog Island. According to the reports given by Wass (1955) and Abele (1970), this species is essentially a coastal form.

Podochela sidneyi Rathbun, 1924.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 242, fig. 219, 223H.

Geographic range.Off Cape Hatteras, N.C., to Port Aransas, Texas; northwestern. Cuba; Yucatan Channel.

Bathymetric range.Shallow water to 102 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7109-2 (20) 1 f; T-7110-15 (27) 1 ovig. f; T-7120-8 (23) 1 m; T-7120-11 (25) 1 m; T-7120-12 (27) 1 m; T-7120-33 (20) 1 f; T-712034 (100) 1 ovig. f; T-7125-3 (30) 1 ovig. f; T-712716 (100) 1 m.

This species occurred from the spring through the fall. A single individual was taken at each of the 9 occupied stations. Ovigerous females were obtained in April, July, and September.

P. sidneyiappeared chiefly distributed on the inner shelf region of the eastern half of the arca of study, on depths ranging from 20 to 30 fathoms. This species was occasionally captured on the shelf edge of the arca between the Mississippi Delta and the De Soto Canyon.

Pyromaia arachna Rathbun, 1924.

Description.Rathbun, 1925, p. 131, pls. 42, 43.

Geographic range. Off South Carolina; Gulf of Mexico.

Bathymetric range. 96 to 210 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7115-6 (100) 1 m; T-7120-6 (104) 1 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7120-14 (96) 1 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7120-31 (107) 1 ovig. f; T-7127-1 (100) 2 m; T-7127-9 (112) 3 f, 1 m.

This species appeared in our collections made during the spring, summer and fall. A total of 12 specimens were obtained from 6 stations; females and males occurred in equal proportion. Ovigerous females were taken in July.

The distribution pattern of P. arachna was largely concentrated along the shelf edge of the eastern half of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.

Pyromaia cuspidata Stimpson, 1871.

Description.Rathbun, 1925, p. 129, fig. 49, pl. 41. Williams, 1965, p. 240, figs. 216, 223E.

Geographic range. From North Carolina to eastern Gulf of Mexico and northern Caribbean.

Bathymetric range. 15 to 300 fathoms (M/V COMBAT Sta. 447).

Material examined. T-7110-12 (101) 1 f, 1 m; T-7110-21 (100) 2 f, 6 m; T-7115-6 (100) 2 f; T-7120-31 (107) 1 m.

Most of the records of this specieswere obtained in the spring. A total of 13 specimens was taken from 4 stations; the males were slightly predominant over the females.

P. cuspidata as the preceding species, was also confined to the shelf edge of the eastern half of the northeastern Gulf.

Stenorhynchus seticornis (Herbst, 1788).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 244, figs. 222, 223K.

Geographic range.North Carolina to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Bermuda.

Bathymetric range. Surface to 814 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7103-2 (22) 1 m; T-7110-14 (51) 3 f, 2 m; T-7110-20 (40) 1 f, 1 m; T-7115-2 (20) 1 ovig. f, 2 m; T-7115-3 (30) 1 f, 4 m; T-7115-4 (50) 1 f, 1 m; T-7120-3 (34) 4 f; T-7120-8 (22) 1 f; T-7120-12 (27) 1 f, 2 m; T-7120-33 (20) 5 m; T-7125-1 (10) 1 ovig. f; T-7125-3 (30) 1 f, 2 m; T-7127-18 (21) 1 ovig. f.

This species was regularly captured throughout the year. A total number of 36 specimens was obtained from 13 stations; the males were more common than females. Ovigerous females were taken in May, September, and October.

S. sticornis was found essentially distributed from the area off Apalachicola Bay to the Choctawhatchee Bay, and only in one occasion was captured out of these limits, off Mobile Bay. Most of the records of this species were taken on depths of 10 to 30 fathoms.

Libinia dubia H. Milne Edwards, 1834.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 252, figs. 232, 233G.

Geographic range. Cape Cod, Mass., to southern Texas; Bahamas and Cuba.

Bathymetric range. Near shore to, 31 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7018-5 (31) 1 m.

The record of this species was obtained from the waters off Apalachicola Bay, on the 30 fathom isobath.

The identification of L. dubia was based upon the presence of a spine on the proximal dorsal surface of the merus. However, according to Rouse (1970), the taxomic significance of such character is uncertain for those elements found in the area of the Everglades, Florida.

Nibilia antilocrapa (Stimpson, 1871).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 251, figs. 230, 233F.

Geographic range.Cape Hatteras, N.C., to Gulf of Mexico just east of the Mississippi River Delta and Gulf of Campeche; Winward Islands, West Indies.

Bathymetric range. 39 to 140 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7018-8 (102) 1 f.

This uncommon species was captured from one station located on the edge of the continental margin off Apalachicola Bay.

Macrocoeloma septemspinosum(Stimpson, 1871).

Description. Rathbun, 1925, p. 477, pl. 173, figs. 2, 3.

Geographic range.South Carolina to Gulf of Mexico; Bahia, Brazil.

Bathymetric range.Shallow water to 79 fathoms, exceptionally 116 fm. (Rathbun, 1925).

Material examined. T-7110-15 (27) 1 f; T-7120-5 (100) 1 m; T-7120-8 (23) 1 f, T-7120-12 (27) 1 f; T-7125-3 (30) 1 ovig. f; T-7127-12 (27) 1 ovig. f.

Only 6 specimens of this species were taken from the spring through the fall; females clearly outnumbered the males. Ovigerous females were obtained in September and October.

M. septemspinosum appeared distributed from the waters south of Apalachicola Bay to the proximity of Pensacola Bay. Though this crab was found inhabiting the shelf edge, its depth range is rather restricted to the area close to the 30 fathom isobath.

Macrocoeloma trispinosum nodipes(Desbonne, 1867) .

Description. Rathbun, 1925, p. 468, pl. 166, fig. 2; pl. 168, fig. 2.

Geographic range.North Carolina, Florida Keys; Gulf of Mexico; West Indies; Fernando Noronha Island, Brazil; Bermuda.

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 26 fathoms.

Material examinad.T-7125-8 (20) 1 ovig. f.

This species wa sobtained from the area off Cape San Blas, on 20 fathoms.

Mithrax (Mithrax) cornutus Saussure, 1857.

Description. Rathbun, 1925, p. 386, pl. 137, figs. 3, 4; pl. 256.

Geographic range.Northeastern Gulf of Mexico to Bahia, Brazil; Bermuda (Verril, 1922).

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 589 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7103-2 (22) 1 f.

The only record of this species was obtained from one station located off the Dog Island, on the 20 fathom isobath.

Mithrax (Mithrax) hispidus(Herbst, 1790).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 256, figs. 236, 245C.

Geographic range.Delaware to Bahamas and Florida Keys; off Tampa; West Indies to Sao Paulo, Brazil; Bermuda.

Bathymetric range.Shallow water to 36 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7114-38 (12) 1 m.

This species was captured from the waters off Tampa Bay, near the 10 fathom curve.

Mithrax (Mithrax) pleuracanthusStimpson, 1871.

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 257, figs. 237, 245D.

Geographic range.Beaufort, N.C., to Pensacola, Fla.; Yucatan Channel off Cape Catoche, Mexico, and Gulf of Campeche; West Indies to Venezuela; Bermuda.

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 28 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7103-1 (11) 1 m; T-7120-10 (15) 1 ovig. f; T-7125-1 (10) 1 ovig. f.

This species was occasionally taken from two stations located off the Dog Island and the vicinity of Panama City, respectively; both stations were situated near the 10 fathom isobath. Ovigerous females were obtained in July and September.

Stenocionops furcata coelata(Milne Edwards, 1878).

Description.Williams 1965, p. 261, figs. 241, 245H.

Geographic range. Off Beaufort, N.C., to northwest Gulf of Mexico; Yucatan Channel; West Indies to Barbados.

Bathymetrics range. Shallow water to 60 fathoras, rarely to 278 fm. (Williams, 1965).

Material examined. T-7103-2 (22) 1 ovig. f; T-7103-3 (30) 1 m; T-7114-38 (12) 1 m; T-7115-2 (20) 3 m; T-7115-3 (30) 1 m; T-7120-12 (27) 1 f, 3 m; T-7127-3 (24) 1 f, 1 m.

This species occurred throughout the year. From 6 stations, 12 specimens were collected; the males predominated over the females by a factor of 3. An additional individual was obtained from the waters off Tampa Bay. Ovigerous females were taken in January.

This species was found distributed from the area west of Cape San Blas to the waters south of Apalachicola Bay. The depoth range of this crab was restricted to the 20 and 30 fathom isobath.

Stenocionops spinimana(Rathbun, 1892).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 262, figs. 242, 2451.

Geographic range.Cape Hatteras, N.C., to Florida Straits and Gulf of Mexico off Mobile Bay, Alabama.

Bathymetric range. 11 to 124 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7018-5 (31) 1 m; T-7018-8 (102) 1 ovig. f; T-7120-3 (33) 1 m; T-7120-9 (11) 1 m; T-7125-4 (50) 1 m; T-71271 (100) 1 M.

This species was the largest spider crab captured throughout the present survey. It appeared in our collections made during the summer and fall, in the surrounding area of Apalachicola Bay. This species exhibited a wide bathymetric range, which extended from the boundaries of the inner shelf to the edge of the continental shelf. Among the 6 specimens captured, there was an ovigerous female taken in September.

Stenocionops spinosissima(Saussure, 1857).

Description. Rathbun, 1925, p. 455, pl. 165, fig. 2; pl. 264, figs. 3, 4; pl. 265.

Geographic range. Off North Carolina; Gulf of Mexico through West Indies. Rio de Janeiro and Fernando de Noronha, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 26 to 260 fecharas; rarely to 300 fm. (M/V COMBAT Sta. 447).

Material examined. T-7120-32 (68) 2 m; T-7127-16 (100) 1 ovig. f.

Only three specimens of this uncommon species were obtained during the summer and fall. Two of them were taken from the middle shelf region off Choctawhatchee Bay and, the third one, an ovigerous female, was captured on the self edge of the eastern section of the Mississippi Delta. According to Pequegnat (1970), the center of distribution for this species in the Gulf is locted at depths from 60 to 100 fathoms.

Parthenope (Parthenope) agonus(Stimpson, 1871).

Description.Williams, 1965, p. 266, figs. 246, 252A.

Geographic range.Cape Hatteras and Lookout, N.C., Gulf of Mexico near Pensacola, Fla., througth of Straits Florida; Puerto Rico; Trinidad, between British and Dutch Guiana.

Bathymetric range. 25 to 214 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7018-8 (102) 1 ovig. f, 1 m; T-7023-9 (10) 1 f; T-7103-4 (55) 2 f, 3 m; (T-7109-3 (30) 2 m; T-7109-4 (55) 3 f, 3 m; T-7110-14 (513 ) f, 12 m; T-7110-15 (27) 2 m; T-7115-14 (50) 3 m; T-7120-7 (53) 2 f; T-7120-50 (25) 1 m; T-7125-7 (50) 4 ovig. f, 2 m; T-7125-8 (20) 1 ovig. f.

This species represented the most numerous parthenopid collected during the present study. It occured throughout the year, being more frequently captured in the spring. A total of 46 specimens were obtained from 12 stations; usually, males were more common than females by a factor of 2. Ovigerous females were taken in September of 1970 and 1971.

The distributional pattern of this parthenopid appeared clearly concentrated in the waters off Apalachicola Bay, whereas in the rest of the area of studv, the records of this species were rather scattered. The depth range of this parthienopid included both inner and outer shelf though, its center of distribution may be defined between the 30 and 50 fathom isobath.

Parthenope (Platylambrus) fraterculus(Stimpson, 1871).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 269, figs. 249, 252D.

Geographic range.Off Cape Fear, N.C., Gulf of Mexico, off Pensacola Bay, Fla., to of Straits Florida; off Cape Catoche, Yucatan Mexico; through West Indies to mouth of the Amazon River.

Bathymetric range. 4 to 110 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7110-15 (27) 1 m; T-7115-3 (30) 1 m; T-7120-11 (25) 1 m; T-7120-33 (20) 2 ovig. 3 f, 3 m; -8 (20) 1 m; T-7127-7 (23) 2 ovig, 1 f, 3 m; T-7127-12 (27) 1 m.

This species was captured from the early spring through the fall. From 7 stations, a total of 19 specimens was taken, being the males slightly more common than females. Ovigerous females were obtained in July and October.

This parthenopid was found distributed from the waters off Apalachicola Bay to the vicinity of Pensacola Bay. However, the records of this species seem to converge in the area near the Choctawhatchee Bay. The depth range of this crab was limited to the boundaries comprised between the 20 and 30 fathom curve.

Partehnope (Platylambrus) serrata(H. Milne Edwards, 1834).

Description. Williams, 1965, p. 267, figs. 247, 252B.

Geographic range.Off the three North Carolina capes, Gulf of Mexico to southern Florida; off Mobile Bay; off Campeche, Mexico; West Indies to Bahia, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. Shallow water to 100 fathoms.

Material examined.T-7110-1 (11) 1 m; T-7110-16 (11) 1 ovig. 1 f, 1 m; T-7110-18 (20) 1 ovig. 1; T-7115-4 (20) 6 f, 1 m; T-7115-3 (30) 1 f, 2 m; T-712034 (100) 1 m; T-7120-54 (25) 1 f, 1 m; T-7127-19 (10) 1 m.

This species was mainly captured during the spring and only few individuals were taken in the summer and fall. A total of 29 specimens were collected from 8 stations; in general, males were more common than females. Ovigerous females were obtained in April.

The dispersion of this parthenopid included the inner shelf region off Mobile Bay to the area south of Apalachiocla Bay. Only in one occasion this species was taken from th eedge of the continental shelf, near the De Soto Canyon head.

Cryptopodia concavaStimpson, 1871.

Description. Rathbun, 1925, p. 533, pl. 202, figs. 3, 4; pl. 282, figs. 6-11.

Geographic range. Off North Carolina; West Coast of Florida, to Bahama Bank and St. Thomas, West Indies; Ceará to Bahia, Brazil.

Bathymetric range. 4 to 55 fathoms.

Material examined. T-7120-9 (10) 1 m.

This species was captured off Cape San Blas, on the 10 fathom isobath. Williams et al. (1968) reported this uncommon species from the continental shelf off North Carolina, which appears as the northern limit for this parthenopid.

I thank, R. W. Menzel, J. J. Jones, and E. I. Friedmann for their critical review of the manuscript. Patrick McCaffrey, Program Coordinator of the Gulf Shelf Proyect (GSP), deserves a special word of appreciation for his invaluable support and cooperation throughout this research.

Thanks are extended for their assistance in the taxonomic portion of this study to Fenner Chace,. Jr., H. B. Roberts, Smithsonian Institute, U.S. National Museum of Natural History, L. B. Holthuis, Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie, Leiden, Holland, W. E. Pequegnat and L. H. Pequegnat, Texas A & M University, College of Geosciences, Department of Oceanography.

The cooperation of the crew members of the R/V TURSIOPS and the students who participated in the field portion of the GSP is deeply appreciated.

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