Neolithodes nipponensis is a species of king crab which is found in Japan and Taiwan.[1][2][3] It has been found at depths from 200–1,752 metres (656–5,748 ft).[3]
Appearance
N. nipponensis has a rounded pentagonal carapace whose margins are covered in several dozen sharp spines.[1] It has a legspan of approximately 108 cm (43 in), and its walking legs are densely covered with sharp prickles.[1] Its chelipeds are similarly covered in prickles, but these are mixed in with longer spines angled substantially away the from perpendicular.[1] It has a very short rostrum of approximately 1⁄20 the length of its carapace.[1] Its underside has seven abdominal segments which are well-defined and covered with prickles.[1]
In the Southern Pacific
In 2001, an article was published in Zoosystema which reported N. nipponensis in Fiji.[4] Likewise, in 2003, an article was published in Scientia Marina which reported it in the Solomon Islands.[5] However, both of these appear to be a yet-undescribed species.[6]
Etymology
"Neolithodes" is derived from Greek and Latin and means "new stone-crab",[7] while "nipponensis" – "Nippon" with the Latin suffix "-ensis" – means "of or from Japan".
