International Journal of Aquaculture, 2017, Vol.7, No.19, 122-125
124
Figure 3
Matuta planipes
(Fabricius, 1798) male and female in ventral view
3.2 Description
Carapace rounded, with 2 long, well-developed lateral spines Carapace subcircular, smooth, slightly convex,
covered with minutely granulate. Front, wider than orbit, with slightly rounded lobers laterally and an emarginated
rostrum medially. Ischium of third maxilliped tuberculate.
Anterolateral margins un-evenly serrated, nearly uniformly crenulate, tubercles somewhat larger posteriorly.
Lateral spine 0.22 times carapace width. Posterolateral margin oblique, with granulate carina extending to base of
lateral spine.
Chelipeds subequal. Merus short, carpus with anterior angle produced. Upper margin of palm cut into three teeth,
proximal tooth tuberculate. Upper external surface with two rows of granulate low tubercles, proximal most in
lower row largest. Mid palm, in male, a rounded ridge extending to tip of lower finger, proximally with granulate
tubercle followed by a prominent, acuminate spine. Mid palm, in female, five tubercles, second tubercles
spine-like. At lower proximal angle of palm a small granulate tubercle. Lower margin with row of tubercles
terminating at base of dactylus. In female, an additional row of obtuse granules parallel to lower margin.
Distinctly milled ridge on outer surface of dactylus in male, absent in female.
Male abdomen five segmented, tapering, a granulate carina on third abdominal segment. Telson as long as wide at
base, bluntly triangular. First male pleopod slender, tapered, distally setose, minutely granulate distally both on
inner and outer surfaces, lacking tubular appendage on inner face.
3.2.1 Size
Maximum length of carapace in males was 45 mm and maximum width of carapace (excluding lateral spines) was
36 mm, while maximum length and width of carapace in females 37 mm, 30 mm, respectively.
3.2.2 Color
The coloration of this species is very distinctive and it cannot be confused with any other species in the area, the
carapace bright yellow with red lines, which usually form spots, it ranges from white to yellow, with a range of
spots, rings and mottling and dark purple through dark red to brown.
3.2.3 Remarks
The coloration of this species is very distinctive and it cannot be confused with any other species in the area.
Carapace distinctly longer than broad (excluding lateral spine), carapace surface with pattern of fine red lines
forming distinct mesh-or net-like pattern; lower margin of cheliped palm serrated.
M. planipes
differs from other
species of
Matuta
genus in having a single spine on outer surface of male chela.
