We collected some pelagic crab rafting on floating wood in the middle of Southern Adriatic Sea (Croatia). Crab are relatively small (cca 7 cm carapax width). Only pelagic crab so far registered in the Adriatic Sea is Planes minutus, but we have no success in accurate identification of this specimen.
We are looking for help in identification :-)
best regards
Pero Tutman
Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries
Split, Croatia
Hi Pero,
I cannot see details in the pictures, but I think that they belong to the genus Liocarcinus/Polybius.
Details as denticulation of region frontal, and number and form of anterolateral spines could help you to identify the species.
Good luck,
Jose
Hi Pero,
I would agree with Liocarcinus. Look like it has five anterolateral spines and what looks like heterocheleous claws. Possibly Liocarcinus depurator juvenile, but would benefit from better resolution photographs.
best,
Rok
Yes, I agree looks like a juvenile Liocarcinus sp. The Polybius species I am familiar with have a more rounded carapace.
Yes, Polybius henslowii (the only species of this genus) looks really different. I refer to Liocarcinus/Polybius as synonyms (according to recent and in progress works).
Cheers Jose
Dear colleagues,
thank You all for Your valuable comments. We will continue following Your suggestions and will inform You about identification success. Or ask again for Your help :-)
best regards
Pero
Dear colleagues,
one more interesting question regarding Liocarcinus navigator. Namely, this specimen was found floating among plastic marine debris jumping from one to another piece 42 Nm SW from city of Dubrovnik in the open south Adriatic Sea above the deep of 1226 m.
In the literature can be found that this is most frequent on sandy substrate between 5 and 10 meters, but registrations have been made as deep as 100 meters.
I cant found data of their possibility to drift on floating debris. Do You probably have some knowledge of this interesting occurrence?
best regards
Pero
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