FAMILY CRANGONIDAE Haworth, 1825 Sand shrimp
Geographic Range The northern Pacific is recognized as being rich in crangonid shrimp. Species of Mesocrangon and Lissocrangon are confined to the northern Pacific; species of Metacrangon, Crangon, Argis, and Neocrangon are more common in the northern Pacific than anywhere else.
Description Sand shrimp, family Crangonidae, have subchelate first pereopods: the finger of the chela closes obliquely or horizontally across the distal end of the propodus, like the blade of a pocket knife. The rostrum usually is small and without spines or absent except in Paracrangon echinata. Eyes generally free. The second pereopod, if present, is slender and equal on both sides, with an unsegmented carpus. The body is depressed or squat. Often, ovigerous females have a broader body than males. In species of Crangon, spines may be present on the ventral midline of the abdominal somites. The endopod of the pleopods is short, especially on the second to fifth pleopods. The nomenclature of the crangonids has undergone revision in recent years, and specialists still disagree over generic and subgeneric classification. The sand shrimps officially were named Crangon by a ruling of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. Species of Crangon, Mesocrangon, Lissocrangon and Neocrangon are mostly benthic and able to dig into sand. Many remain hidden except for the eyes, antennae and a respiratory channel. Most are dull-colored or camouflaged by chromatophores. They feed on smaller invertebrates. Sand shrimp are eaten by many demersal fishes, Dungeness crab and harbor seals.
Nine Genera of Crangonidae are represented along the BC coast: Argis, Crangon, Lissocrangon, Mesocrangon, Metacrangon,Neocrangon, Paracrangon, Rhynocrangon, Sclerocrangon are found along the BC coast.
Argis Argis alaskensis Argis crassa Argis dentata Argis lar Argis levior Argis ovifer Crangon Crangon alaskensis Crangon alba Crangon dalli Crangon franciscorum angustimana Crangon franciscorum franciscorum Crangon handi Crangon nigricauda Lissocrangon Lissocrangon stylirostris Mesocrangon Mesocrangon intermedia Mesocrangon munitella Metacrangon Metacrangon acclivis Metacrangon munita Metacrangon spinosissima Metacrangon variabilis variabilis Neocrangon Neocrangon abyssorum Neocrangon communis Neocrangon resima Paracrangon Paracrangon echinata Rhinocrangon Rhinocrangon alata Sclerocrangon sclerocrangon boreas
References Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. ARGIS ALASKENSIS (Kingsley, 1882) Alaskan Argid
Geographic Range Pribilof Islands, Bering Sea to Oregon. The first published record of the species on the British Columbia coast was in Departure Bay.
Habitat 18-221 m.
Morphology Body moderately stout, depressed. Shell thin, pubescence on lower branchial region of carapace, sparse on abdomen. Rostrum: spine short, suberect, tip acute. Eye: small, cornea well developed, moderate tubercle. Antennae: peduncle moderately long, third segment subequal to second; stylocerite short; inner flagellum slightly longer than outer, both overreach antennal scale; scale short, moderately wide, spine exceeds lamella; basicerite with 2 weak lateral spines; peduncle long; flagellum shorter than body. Third maxilliped: long, moderately stout, setiferous; penultimate and distal segments flattened, latter more so, tip blunt; exopod with lash. Carapace spines and carinae: postorbital and antennal moderate, forming with rostral spine a hood-like cover; 3 large dorsal spines fairly evenly spaced, and 1 small spine posterior to rostral spine; slight median carina; branchiostegal very strong, reaches to or beyond basicerite of antenna, with supporting carina, curved posteriorly to position under hepatic spine; pterygostomian weak; hepatic strong, with triangular supporting base, dorsal edge of which joins branchial carina; antennal carina curving obliquely and posteriorly from base of antennal spine, with some weakening above hepatic spine, to join branchial carina; latter arched slightly, and ends ahead of posterior margin; depressed areas in frontal, gastric, and cardiac regions, and ventral to antennal carina, anterior to hepatic spine. Pereopods: P1 about as long as third maxilliped, stout; P2 shorter than P1, very slender, chelate; P3 slightly longer than P2, slightly stouter; dactylus tip acute; P4 about as long as 3, stout, setiferous, dactylus flattened, tip acute; P5 shorter than 4, more slender, setiferous, dactylus flattened, tip acute. Abdomen: indication on male of dorsal median carina on each of A1-3; smooth on female; A4 with faint carina, and A5 with distinct median carina, separated from anterior margin by transverse sulcus, and extending beyond posterior margin as strong spine; depressed areas on dorsolateral surfaces of A1-5; posterolateral margins of A4 and A5 widely recessed at articular knobs; former with posteroventral spine, weak or obsolescent; A5 has posterolateral spine with slight flare; A6 with 2 distinct dorsal carinae, produced beyond posterior margin as moderate spines, with strong posteroventral spine, flared slightly. Telson: moderately wide, tapering to acute tip, wide dorsal sulcus, 2 pairs dorsolateral spines in distal half; outer uropod wider and shorter than inner, both shorter than telson.
Distinctions Distinguished by 3 or 4 median dorsal spines on carapace, posterior to rostral spine; A6 has prominent dorsal carinae extend beyond posterior margin as moderate spines; very strong branchiostegal spine, extends to or beyond lateral spines on basicerite of antenna.
Size Males: total 44 mm; females: total 67 mm. Coloration Background color milkish to buff; on carapace, brown to black spots form diagonal bars and bands, blend with background, and border ventral and anterolateral margins; on abdomen, brown to gray-brown patches on dorsal and lateral surfaces, on third and fourth somites these border light diagonal bars; red- orange areas on fifth and sixth somites, telson, and uropods; ventral margins of first and second pleura, and P4 and P5 cerise; light gray-brown, overlaid with fine brown spots, on third maxilliped, P1, and pleopods.(Butler, Plate 4C)
Synonyms Nectocrangon alaskensis Kingsley 1882 Argis alaskensis de Man 1920
Remarks This species is the most common argid occurring in local waters. Most specimens were collected within the depth range, 46-128 m. A. alaskensis is parasitized by the branchial isopod, Argeia pugettensis.
References from synonym: Kingsley, J.S., 1883. Carcinological Notes; Number V.— Bulletin of the Essex Institute 14: 105-132, Plates 1-2. Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. ARGIS CRASSA (Rathbun, 1899) Rough Argid
Geographic Range St. Lawrence Island, Bering Sea; Okhotsk Sea; Maritime Territory, Sea of JapanAleutian Islands to San Juan Islands. The first reference to this species in British Columbia waters was in Burrard Inlet and near Namu, BC.
Habitat 4-125 m
Morphology Body stout, depressed. Shell thick, pubescence over most of carapace, and patches on abdomen. Rostrum: spine short, suberect, tip blunt. Eye: small, cornea well developed, tubercle strong, with swollen base, separating cornea. Antennae: peduncle moderately long, second segment longer than third; stylocerite short; inner flagellum about as long as outer, both extending beyond antennal scale; scale short, wide, spine exceeding lamella; outer margin twisted at proximal end; basicerite, moderate upper lateral spine, lower weak; peduncle long; flagellum shorter than body. Third maxilliped: long, moderately stout, setiferous; distal segment flattened; exopod long, with lash. Carapace spines and carinae: postorbital moderate; antennal strong, forms with rostral spine a hood-like cover; 3 strong dorsal spines and a smaller one posterior to rostral spine, all arising from median carina extending almost entire length of carapace; branchiostegal strong, with supporting carina, curved posteriorly to position under base of hepatic spine; pterygostomian weak; hepatic strong, with supporting carina curved upward to meet branchial carina; antenna] carina curving posteriorly from base of antennal spine, with some weakening above hepatic spine, to join branchial carina; latter arched slightly, and extending toward median dorsal line; depressed areas in frontal and gastric regions and anterior to hepatic spine. Pereopods: P1 about as long as M3, stout, carpus with distal spine, propodus moderately long, slender, dactylus obliquely transverse when flexed; P2 longer than 1, very slender, chelate; P3 about as long as 2, as slender with dactylus tip acute; P4 shorter than 3, stout, setiferous, dactylus flattened, bent, tip acute; P5 shorter than 4, less stout, setiferous; dactylus flattened, tip acute. Abdomen: A1 with large median dorsal tubercle directed anteriorly; A2 with short wide carina directed anteriorly, deep depressed area on each side; similar wide carina on A3, but longer, lower; also with 2 wide transverse carinae; prominent wide longitudinal carina on each of A4 and A5 somites; on A4, 2 wide transverse carinae; pleura of 4 and 5 each with weak posterolateral spine; A5 also with deep anterior transverse sulcus, lateral carina from articular knob slightly curved; A6 shorter than telson, with 2 blunt carinae, shorter than somite, converging posteriorly, with wide lateral carina from articular knob curving toward posteroventral angle, also on ventral margin, carina flaring laterally and ending in moderate posteroventral spine. Telson: moderately wide, tapering to acute tip; median dorsal sulcus, 2 pairs dorsolateral spines, both in distal half of telson; inner uropod longer, and shorter or as long as telson.
Distinctions A. crassa is known by 3 large median dorsal spines on the carapace, and 1 small spine posterior to rostral spine; a large median dorsal tubercle on first somite, and short wide dorsal carina on each of second to fifth somites; weak posterolateral spine on fourth pleuron; pubescence over most of carapace, and on depressed areas on abdominal somites.
Size Males: total 40 mm; females: total 56 mm. Coloration Carapace with diagonal bars of gray, grayish green, blackish green, and black meeting a black area over most.of lower branchial region; 2 broken black vertical lines in branchiostegal and antennal regions; 3 main dorsal spines on carapace, each with lateral yellow spot. Black spots on basicerite, outer margin of antennal scale, and peduncle, and antennular peduncle; third maxilliped and pereiopods, from colorless background with black spots and streaks, black and to yellow bands, to almost completely black. Most of upper lateral surfaces of first to fourth abdominal somites greenish gray; on these somites black patches bordering ventral margins and on each, 1 large and several smaller yellow spots; on fifth somite ventral yellow spots, most of lateral surface mottled, streaked with black; sixth mainly black with to yellow spots and streaks; telson and uropods mainly buff to yellow, with black blotches and streaks; black and brown spots on protopodites of pleopods, exopods with brown spots(Butler, Plate 1D)
Synonyms Nectocrangon crassa Rathbun 1899 Argis crassa de Man 1920
Remarks A. crassa is uncommon in local waters. Specimens have been collected in Howe Sound, and at 3 localities in the Queen Charlotte Islands. A parasite is the branchial isopod Argeia pugettensis.
References from synonym: Rathbun, M.J., 1899. List of Crustacea known to occur on and near the Pribilof Islands. In: Jordan, D.S., The Fur Seals and fur-seal Islands of the North Pacific Ocean, Part 3: 555- 557. Washington. Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. ARGIS DENTATA (Rathbun, 1902) Arctic Argid
Geographic Range Pacific: Anadyr Gulf, Bering Sea; Okhotsk Sea; Sea of Japan, to Peter the Great Bay; Pribilof Islands to Gulf of Georgia and San Juan Islands. Atlantic: Greenland to Nova Scotia. First record on the West coast of Canada was a specimen caught in Work Canal, July,1906
Habitat Intertidal to 2090m; there is a preference for sand and gravel bottoms.
Morphology Body stout, depressed; shell thick; fine pubescence over dorsolateral regions of carapace and rostrum,with remainder finely pitted. Rostrum: spine short, obliquely erect, tip acute. Eye: small, cornea well developed, slight tubercle. Antennae: peduncle long, third segment subequal to second; stylocerite short; inner flagellum slightly longer, both overreaching antennal scale by half, or more, of their lengths; scale short, moderately wide, spine exceeds lamella; basicerite, two weak to moderate lateral spines; peduncle long; flagellum shorter than body. Third maxilliped: long, moderately stout, setiferous; strong distal spine on antepenultimate segment; distal segment flattened, trowel-like, tip rounded; exopod with lash. Carapace spines and carinae: postorbital and antennal weak to moderate, forming with rostral spine a hood-like cover; 2 dorsal spines, arising from median carina extending from base of rostral spine to almost posterior margin of carapace; branchiostegal very strong, with supporting carina, curving posteriorly to position under base of hepatic spine; pterygostomian weak; hepatic strong, with supporting carina, curved upward to meet branchial carina; antennal carina curving posteriorly from base of antennal spine, with some weakening above hepatic spine, to join branchial carina; latter arched slightly, reaching posterior margin; depressed areas in frontal and gastric regions and ventral to antennal carina, anterior to hepatic spine. Pereopods: P1 about as long as M3, stouter; propodus long, slender; fixed finger moderate; dactylus, when flexed, obliquely transverse; P2 about as long as P1, very slender; chelate; P3 longer than P2, as slender; dactylus tip acute; P4 shorter than P3, stout, setiferous; dactylus flattened, bent, tip acute; P5 shorter than P4, as stout, setiferous; dactylus flattened, bent, tip acute. Abdomen: A1- 5 each with dorsal median carina; that of A5 extended posteriorly as blunt spine, those of A3-4 may or may not be extended; most dorsolateral surfaces of A1-3 depressed and pubescent; A4 with triangular depressed area in lower anterior portion of pleuron; depression on A5 between median carina and curved carina between articular knobs, lower patch on pleuron; ventral margins of pleura of A1-4 straight or slightly concave; pleuron of A4 with weak posteroventral spine; A5 with anterior transverse carina, bearing fine setae, and adjacent parallel sulcus, also moderate posterolateral spine flared slightly; A6 with 2 prominent dorsal carinae, proximal ends almost meet anterior transverse carina, bearing fringe of setae, and carinae extending beyond posterior margin as moderate spines, also short, curved lateral carina from articular knob posteriorly to beyond middle of somite, and moderate posteroventral spine. Telson longer than A6, moderately wide, tapering to acute tip, wide dorsal sulcus, 3 pairs of dorsoventral spines, middle pair closer to distal than to proximal pair; dense setae on lateral margins; outer uropod extends to middle dorsolateral spine of telson, and shorter than inner; both shorter than telson.
Distinctions A. dentata can be separated from A. lar and A. ovifer, the other 2 recorded species with 2 dorsal spines on the carapace, by 2 dorsal carinae on A6, more or less parallel, and extending beyond posterior margin as moderate spines; presence of posterolateral spine on pleuron of A4; dense setae on lateral margins of telson; slender, long propodus of P1, 41/2-5 times its average width. Size Males: total 46 mm; females: total 83 mm.
Synonyms Nectocrangon dentata Rathbun, 1902 Argis dentata de Man 1920
Remarks A. dentata is more common along the north coast of the province, particularly in inlets. In the Gulf of St. Lawrence this shrimp is most abundant at bottom temperatures -1.0 to 3.0°C. there is a preference for sand and gravel bottoms.
References from synonym: Rathbun, M.J., 1902a. Descriptions of new decapod crustaceans from the west coast of North America. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 885-905. Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. ARGIS LAR (Owen, 1839) Kuro Shrimp
Geographic Range Chukchi Se;, Bering Sea to Strait of Georgia; Okhotsk Sea; Sea of Japan, to Peter the Great Bay. A. lar is restricted to waters adjacent to western North America and eastern Asia. The first published record of this shrimp on the British Columbia coast was collected near Shoal Harbour, at 18-36 m in 1926 or 1927.
Habitat 10-280 m
Morphology Body moderately stout, depressed. Shell thick, surface generally smooth; some pubescence on lower branchial region of carapace. Rostrum: spine short, obliquely erect, tip blunt. Eye: small, cornea well developed, with moderate tubercle. Antennae: peduncle long, third segment subequal to second; stylocerite short; inner flagellum longer than outer, both extending beyond antennal scale by half their lengths; scale short, moderately wide, lamella exceeding scale slightly; basicerite, 2 weak lateral spines; peduncle long; flagellum shorter than body. Third maxilliped: long, slender except antepenultimate segment, setiferous; distal segment flattened, tip blunt; exopod long, with lash. Carapace spines and carinae: 2 dorsal spines arising from median carina, extending along almost entire carapace; sometimes a tubercle is present behind rostral spine; postorbital and antennal moderate, forming with rostral spine a hood-like cover; branchiostegal strong, with supporting carina, extending posteriorly beyond hepatic spine; pterygostomian weak; hepatic moderate, with broad base, upper margin extending obliquely to join branchial carina; antennal carina extending from antennal spine, in slight arc to join branchial carina; latter extending almost to posterior margin near median dorsal carina; depressed areas anterior to hepatic spine, frontal, gastric, and cardiac regions. Pereopods: P1 about as long as M3, stout, dactylus, when flexed, obliquely transverse; P2 longer than P1, slender; chelate; P3 about as long as P2; as slender; dactylus, tip acute; P4 shorter than P3, stout, setiferous; dactylus flattened, bent, tip acute; P5 shorter than P4, stouter, except propodus and dactylus, setiferous; dactylus flattened, bent, tip acute. Abdomen: dorsal median carina on each of A1-5, that on 5 produced posteriorly as rounded lobe; A1 with sinuous, oblique transverse carina, from anterior margin, close to midline, to lower posterior part of pleuron; A2 with a faint V-shaped carina; A3 and A4 each with slightly curved transverse carina extending from median carina to articular knob, then deflected toward the lower anterior margin of pleuron; A5 has a wide uneven lateral carina, between articular knobs, and faint angled carina from below articular knob to lower anterior margin of pleuron, also moderate posteroventral spine; A6 shorter than telson, with 2 dorsal carinae, extending beyond posterior margin as rounded lobes, prominent lateral carina, from near anterior margin to middle of segment, then curving ventrally, on ventral margin carina flaring laterally and ending as moderate posteroventral spine, and posterolateral margin thickened widely. Telson moderately wide, tapering to acute tip, median dorsal sulcus, 3 pairs of dorsolateral spines; uropods about equal, shorter than telson, extending beyond middle pair of dorsoventral spines.
Distinctions A. lar is distinguished from the other 2 species occurring locally with 2 median dorsal spines on the carapace, by 2 dorsal carinae on A6 somite more or less parallel, and not extending beyond posterior margin; median dorsal carina on A5 somite produced posteriorly as rounded lobe; antennal scale, with lamella exceeding spine; uropods about equal. Size Males: total 56 mm ; females: total 79 mm, Male: smaller, more slender than female; distal margin of propodus and dactylus of pereiopod, when flexed, more transverse; dorsal abdominal carinae more prominent, especially on A3; sometimes pleuron of A4 with posterolateral spine.
Synonyms Crangon lar Owen 1839 Nectocrangon lar Stimson, 1860 Argis lar de Man, 1920
References from synonym: Owen, R., 1839. Crustacea. In: Beechey, F.W., The Zoology of Captain Beechey’s Voyage; Compiled from the Collections and Notes Made by Captain Beechey, the Officers and Naturalists of the Expedition, during a Voyage to the Pacific and Behring Straits Performed in His Majesty’s Ship Blossom, under the Command of Captain F.W. Beechey, R.N., F.R.S, &c, in the years 1825, 26, 27 and 28: 77-97, Plates 24-28. London. Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. ARGIS LEVIOR (Rathbun, 1902) Nelson’s Argid
Geographic Range Aleutian Islands to Shelter Cove, CA; First caught on the British Columbia coast by the Albatross northwest of Barkley Sound at 62 m, Sept. 25, 1888. Type locality, Admiralty Inlet, Puget Sound.
Habitat 18-77 m; sand, boulders, shell
Morphology Body stout, depressed. Shell thick, pubescence over most of carapace, and patches in depressed areas on abdomen. Rostrum: spine short, obliquely erect, tip blunt. Eye: small, cornea well developed; tubercle moderate, with swollen base, separating cornea. Antennae: peduncle moderately long, second segment longer than third; stylocerite short; outer flagellum longer than inner, both extending beyond antennal scale; scale short, moderately wide, spine exceeding lamella slightly, outer margin convex, twisted; basicerite, moderate upper and lower lateral lobes; peduncle long; flagellum shorter than body. Third maxilliped: moderately long, moderately stout, setiferous; distal segment flattened; exopod moderately long, with lash. Carapace spines and carinae: postorbital moderate, antennal strong, forming with rostral spine a hoodlike cover; 3 strong dorsal spines, a smaller one posterior to rostral spine, all arising from median carina extending almost entire length of carapace; branchiostegal strong, With supporting carina, curved posteriorly to position under hepatic spine; pterygostomian moderate; hepatic strong, with short supporting carina; antenna! carina curving posteriorly from base of antennal spine, weakening above hepatic spine before reaching branchial carina; latter arching slightly and extending toward posterior margin; depressed areas in frontal and gastric regions and anterior to hepatic spine. Pereopods: P1 longer than M3, stout; propodus slender, moderately long; fixed finger moderate; dactylus, when flexed, obliquely longitudinal; P2 about as long as P1, very slender; chelate; P3 longer than P2, as slender; dactylus tip acute; P4 shorter than P3, stout, setiferous; dactylus flattened, curved, tip acute; P5 slightly shorter than P4, less stout, setiferous; flattened, curved, tip acute. Abdomen: low dorsal median tubercle on A1, oblique transverse sulcus anterior to sulcus extending to posterolateral margin; A2 with transverse furrow and adjacent margin bearing setae; pleura of A2-5 with depressed pubescent areas; pleuron of A4 sometimes with weak posterolateral spine; A5 with low, wide dorsal carina, posterolateral angle obtuse; A6 shorter than telson, with 2 low, wide dorsal carinae converging posteriorly; lateral carina curving from articular knob toward obtuse slightly flared posteroventral angle. Telson moderately wide, dorsal sulcus, 3 pairs dorsolateral spines; inner uropod longer, reaching tip of telson.
Distinctions Distinguished by 3 large dorsal spines on carapace, and 1 small spine posterior to rostral spine; a median dorsal tubercle on A1; A2 has a transverse furrow with a setose posterior margin; low broad dorsal carina on A5.
Size Males: unavailable; females: total 47.0 mm
Synonyms Nectocrangon levior Rathbun, 1902 Argis levior de Man, 1920 Remarks The transverse furrow on the second abdominal somite is thought to be an adaptation, enabling assumption of the defensive cataleptic position, as in Metacrangon spinosissima and Lebbeus schrencki. Rathbun’s statement that this species is more rare than A. crassa has been borne out by the paucity of records in local waters. Two females were dredged west of Nahwitti Bay, north end of Vancouver Island, at 22-27 m, on a bottom of coarse sand, boulders, and shell.
References from synonym: Rathbun, M.J., 1902a. Descriptions of new decapod crustaceans from the west coast of North America.— Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 885-905. Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. ARGIS OVIFER (Rathbun, 1902) Split-Eye Argid
Geographic Range North of Pribilof Islands, Bering Sea to Queen Charlotte Sound; Okhotsk Sea. The first known capture of A ovifer on the west coast of Canada was by G. B. Reed trawling in Queen Charlotte Sound, at 219-223 m, Feb. 23, 1963.
Habitat 102-673 m
Morphology Body moderately stout, depressed. Shell thick, partly smooth, pubescence on carapace and abdomen. Rostrum: spine long, suberect, separated from postorbital spine, tip blunt. Eye: moderately large, cornea well developed, tubercle strong, from swollen conical base, separating inner margin of cornea, to prominent acute tip. Antennae: peduncle moderately long, third segment subequal to second, former with dorsal distal spine; stylocerite short, flagella about equal, and overreach antennal scale by about half their lengths; scale short, moderately wide, spine exceeds lamella; basicerite with 2 weak lateral spines; peduncle long, flagellum shorter than body. Third maxilliped: long, moderately stout, setiferous, antepenultimate segment stouter distally, moderate lower spine adjacent to distal margin, distal segment flattened; exopod long, with lash. Carapace spines and carinae: 2 moderate dorsal spines arising from distinct median carina, from rostral spine almost to posterior margin; postorbital moderate, antennal long, acute, reaching cornea of eye, these separated by deep incision, and provide little cover for eye; branchiostegal strong, supported by carina, extending obliquely to middle of lower branchial region; pterygostomian weak; hepatic moderate, from wide base, upper margin as weak carina running obliquely to branchial carina, and lower margin extending obliquely to meet carina from branchiostegal spine; prominent sinuous antennal carina extends from antennal spine to meet branchial carina; latter ascending toward cardiac region; generally, carinae on carapace border depressed pubescent areas. Pereopods: P1 as long as third maxilliped, stout; merus, weak upper distal spine; carpus, distal spine; propodus slender, moderately long; fixed finger moderate; dactylus, when flexed, obliquely transverse; P2 as long as P1, slender; chelate; P3 longer than P2, as slender; dactylus tip acute; P4 shorter than P3, stout, setiferous; dactylus flattened, bent, tip acute; P5 shorter than P4, less stout; dactylus flattened, bent, tip acute. Abdomen: dorsal median carina on each of A1-5, that on 5 produced posteriorly as acute spine; dorsolateral surfaces of A1-5 with irregular protuberances and ridges; on A1, 2 depressions, upper bordered by thickened lateral margins and median carina, lower bordered by lateral margins, ventral margin, and irregular lateral ridge; on A2, most of surface depressed, marked by median carina, thickened lateral margins, both deflected and converging above ventral margin; similar sculpturing on A3-5, except on last, depression bordered by ventral margin of pleuron; also, irregular lateral ridges at level of articular knobs on 4 and 5; A5 with strong posteroventral spine; A6 with 2 prominent dorsal carinae converging posteriorly, extending beyond posterior margin as acute spines, curved lateral carina, weak posteroventral spine, flared slightly. Telson: moderately wide, tapering to acute tip, median dorsal sulcus, 3 pairs dorsolateral spines; inner uropod longer than outer, former extending to middle pair of spines on telson.
Distinctions Separated from A. lar, and particularly A. dentata, by prominent tubercle on eyestalk with swollen base separating cornea, acute tip; suberect rostral spine, separated from postorbital spine; dorsal carinae on A6 somite converging. Size Males: total 38 mm; females: total 67 mm.
Coloration Background light buff over most of body and some appendages, large, finely mottled, brown area blending with background on posterior half of carapace, fine brown to black dots bordering ventral and anterolateral margins, including rostral spine; irregular, diagonal brown bars on second to fourth somites, areas of same hue on lower parts of pleura of fourth and fifth somites, on lower lateral and posterior regions of sixth somite; 2 light green patches on fifth pleuron; wide transverse bar dorsally on telson and uropods, brown distal setae; pleopods, third maxilliped, and pereiopods mainly background color, carpus and chela of P1 and merus of P4 with fine brown spots; pinkish on dactyli of P4 and 5 (Butler, Plate 5B)
Synonyms Nectocrangon ovifer (Rathbun, 1902) Argis ovifer de Man, 1920
Remarks In addition to the above record of 2 specimens, 3 were caught La Perouse Bank, at 207-218 m, Feb. 8, 1972, and in Queen Charlotte Sound, April 1974. A parasite is the branchial isopod, Argeia pugettensis.
References from synonym: Rathbun, M.J., 1902a. Descriptions of new decapod crustaceans from the west coast of North America. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 885-905 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. CRANGON ALASKENSIS Lockington, 1877 Northern Crangon
Geographic Range Bering Sea to Puget Sound; Kurile Islands. BC: Departure Bay and Hecate Strait
Habitat Intertidal to 275 m.
Morphology Body slender, depressed. Shell thin, surface smooth. Rostrum: short, about 0.2 carapace length, with median sulcus, ascending, tip rounded. Eye: moderately large, cornea well developed, weak tubercle. Antennae: peduncle moderately long, third segment subequal to second; stylocerite short; outer flagellum extending to about end of antennal scale, inner longer; scale 0.8-l.0 carapace length, as long as or slightly shorter than telson, tip of lamella rounded, spine exceeding lamina somewhat; basicerite, 2 lateral spines; peduncle moderately long; flagellum shorter than body. Third maxilliped: moderately long, slender; exopod short, with lash. Carapace spines: 1 median in anterior third of carapace; antennal moderate; hepatic moderate, with short oblique supporting carina, anterior to median; branchiostegal strong with supporting carina, almost to end of basicerite of antenna; pterygostomian moderate; lateral margin of rostrum extending posteriorly over orbital fissure as ridge almost to center of carapace. Band around ventral margin of carapace, widening to lobe adjacent to bases of P1-2. Pereopods: P1 longer than M3, stout, dactylus, when flexed, obliquely, transverse; P2 about as long as P1, slender; chelate; P3 longer than P2, slender; dactylus slender, about half the length of propodus; P4 longer than P3, slightly stouter; dactylus slender; P5 about as long as P4, similarly stout. Abdomen: ventral margins of pleura of A1 and A2 concave; A5 has faint dorsal median carina, short transverse sulcus at anterior end; A6 has faint median dorsal sulcus, moderate posteroventral spine, ventral sulcus. Telson narrow, tapering to acute tip, dorsal distal flattened, 2 lateral spines, evenly spaced with respect to tip of telson; inner uropod narrower, as long as or longer than outer, former reaching tip of telson.
Distinctions C. alaskensis is often confused with C. nigricauda. Main distinguishing characters of former are generally slender body; tip of lamella of antennal scale more or less rounded, exceeded markedly by spine; antennal scale normally as long as telson, sometimes a little shorter; outer antennular flagellum slightly longer than tip of lamina of antennal scale; uropods and telson all about same length.
Size Males: total 52 mm; females: total 65 mm.
Coloration Light brownish gray background over almost entire shrimp, lighter on most appendages; closely spaced dark gray and brown spots over body, pleopods, pereopods, all parts of antenna; on carapace and abdomen, scattered spots of pale yellow, white, and light brown; also pale yellow spots on antennal peduncle, proximal segments of pereopods II, IV, and V, basipodites of pleopods; dense covering of fine black dots on posterior midline of carapace, around posterior margin of sixth somite, on telson and uropods; tip of inner uropod orange. Specimen illustrated (Butler Plate 3E) was collected near La Perouse Bank, at 97-99 m; intertidally and in the shallow sublittoral, individuals are generally lighter in color with tail fan as black, but without orange spot on inner uropod. Synonyms Crangon alaskensis elongata Rathbun, 1902
Remarks This probably is the most common local Crangon in the shallow sublittoral zone. It is apparently able to tolerate a wide range of salinities, occurring at 13 intertidal stations (2 near river mouths) in southeastern Alaska and Prince William Sound, at salinities 2.2-32.7%o; corresponding temperatures were 7.3-14.3°C. Ovigerous females, 8.0-l3.6 mm carapace length, were found locally in May, June, July, August, and October. A parasite is the branchial isopod, Argeia pugettensis.
References original description: Lockington, W.N., 1877a. Remarks on the Crustacea of the Pacific Coast, with descriptions of some new species.— Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 7 (for 1876): 28-36 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand CRANGON ALBA Holmes, 1900 Stout Crangon
Geographic Range Queen Charlotte Strait, northeast Vancouver Island to south of San Diego Bay. First collected on the British Columbia coast northwest of Barkley Sound at 44 m, Sept. 25, 1888, by the Albatross. More specimens were caught in another haul at the same locality on the same day. A specimen was captured at Hope Island, Queen Charlotte Strait, off Nanaimo, in the Strait of Georgia.
Habitat 22-86 m
Morphology Body stout, depressed. Shell thin, surface smooth. Rostrum: short, slightly descending, median sulcus, tip rounded. Lateral margin of rostrum extending posteriorly over orbital fissure to about middle of carapace. Eye: moderately large, cornea well developed, tubercle weak. Antennae: peduncle moderately long, third segment about as long as second; stylocerite short; outer flagellum shorter than antennal scale; scale about as long as telson, inner margin very oblique, spine extending considerably beyond lamella; basicerite with 2 strong lateral spines; peduncle moderately long. Third maxilliped: moderately long, reaching tip of l antenna] scale, segments flattened, particularly antepenultimate; exopod moderately long, 1 with lash. Carapace spines: 1 median, in anterior third of carapace; antennal moderate; hepatic, moderate with short oblique supporting carina; branchiostegal strong; pterygostomian weak. Pereopods: P1 shorter than M3 stout, dactylus, when flexed, obliquely transverse; P2 longer than P1, slender, chelate; P3 shorter than P2, as slender; dactylus slender; P4 longer than P3, slightly stouter; dactylus slender; P5 slightly longer than P4, as stout. Abdomen: ventral margins of pleura of A1-3 mainly straight or slightly concave; dorsal surfaces of all somites smooth; A6 shorter than telson, deep ventral sulcus lacking, posteroventral spine weak. Telson: 2 lateral spines; inner uropod slightly longer than outer, both exceed tip of telson.
Distinctions Noteworthy for stout body; greatly flattened antepenultimate segment of third maxilliped; short, stout chela of P1; lack of dorsal median carinae on abdominal somites, and ventral sulcus on A6.
Size Males: unavailable; females: total 44 mm.
References original description: Holmes, S.J., 1900. Synopsis of California stalk-eyed Crustacea. Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences 7: 1-262, Plates 1-4 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand.
CRANGON DALLI Rathbun, 1902 Ridged Crangon
Geographic Range Chukchi Sea; Bering Sea to Puget Sound; Okhotsk Sea; Sea of Japan, to Peter the Great Bay. The first known record of the species in British Columbia waters was the capture of 2 specimens in Grandby Bay, at 88-90 m, 1954.
Habitat 3-630 m.
Morphology Body moderately stout, depressed. Shell thin, surface smooth. Rostrum: short, about 0.2 carapace length, median sulcus, outer margins more or less parallel, slightly descending, tip rounded. Eye: moderately large, cornea well developed; weak tubercle. Antennae: peduncle moderately long, third segment subequal to second, first segment with blunt inner dorsal distal spine; stylocerite moderate; inner flagellum exceeding antenna] scale, longer than outer; scale shorter than telson, spine exceeding lamella; basicerite, 2 moderate lateral spines; peduncle moderately long; flagellum shorter than body. Third maxilliped: moderately long, slender, setiferous; exopod long, with lash. Carapace spines: 1 median in anterior third of carapace; antennal moderate; hepatic moderate, with short oblique supporting carina, slightly anterior to median; branchiostegal strong, with supporting carina; pterygostomian moderate; lateral margin of rostrum extending posteriorly over orbital fissure as ridge above and beyond hepatic spine; carina extending from antennal spine posteriorly joining hepatic spine. Band around ventral margin of carapace widening to lobe adjacent to base of pereiopod II. Pereopods: P1 about as long as third M3, dactylus, when flexed, obliquely transverse; P2 shorter than P1, slender; chelate; P3 longer than P2, similarly slender; dactylus slender, about 0.4 propodus length; P4 longer than P3, stouter; dactylus slender, about 0.85 propodus length; P5 longer than P4, as stout, dactylus slender, about 0.8 propodus length. Abdomen: ventral margins of pleura of A1-2 straight and slightly concave; A2 with faint transverse sulcus; ventral margin of pleuron of A5 slightly concave; A6 with 2 prominent dorsal carinae, shorter than length of somite, slight ventral sulcus. Telson: narrow, tapering to acute tip, with dorsal median sulcus, 2 pairs dorsolateral spines; inner uropod longer than outer, both extend beyond telson.
Distinctions Distinguished from other Crangons with a single median spine on carapace, by 2 prominent dorsal carinae on A6 somite, slightly concave margin of pleuron of A5 somite, and blunt inner dorsal distal spine on first antennular peduncle.
Size Males: total 50 mm; females: total 80 mm.
Synonyms Neocrangon dalli Rathbun, 1902
Remarks There are relatively few local records of C. dalli. Large catches of the species were made at Albatross stations in the Bering Sea and Bellingham Bay. In the eastern Bering Sea it occurred at 38-110 m, on bottom sediment varying from fine mud to coarse sand. References original description: Rathbun, M.J., 1902a. Descriptions of new decapod crustaceans from the west coast of North America. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 885-905 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. CRANGON FRANCISCORUM ANGUSTIMANA Rathbun, 1902 California Bay Shrimp Long-Clawed Crangon
Geographic Range Kachemak Bay, AK, to Tillamook Rock, OR. The first known capture in British Columbia waters was by the Albatross, west of Jordan River at 97 m, Sept. 2, 1891.
Habitat 18-183 m.
Morphology Body slender, depressed. Shell thin, surface smooth. Rostrum: short, about 0.15 carapace length, median sulcus, slightly descending, tip rounded. Eye: moderately large, cornea well developed and reaching to end of rostrum, tubercle weak. Antennae: peduncle moderately long, third segment about equal to second, first segment with inner, dorsal, distal spine; stylocerite short; inner flagellum exceeding antennal scale considerably, outer less than half as long; scale about as long as telson, spine exceeding evenly rounded tip of lamella; basicerite with 2 lateral spines; peduncle moderately long; flagellum as long as or longer than body. Third maxilliped: moderately long, slender; exopod long, with lash. Carapace spines: median, in anterior third of carapace; antennal moderate; hepatic moderate, in line with median; branchiostegal strong, reaching or exceeding distal end of basicerite of antenna; pterygostomian moderate to strong; lateral margin of carapace extending posteriorly over orbital fissure as ridge beyond center of carapace. Band around ventral margin of carapace, widening to lobe between bases of P1 and P2. Pereopods: P1 longer than M3, moderately stout, dactylus, when flexed, almost longitudinal, crossing under basal part of fixed finger; P2 shorter than P1, slender; chelate; P3 longer than P2, slender; dactylus slender, about 0.15 propodus length; P4 shorter than P3, stouter, setiferous; dactylus slender; P5 longer than P4, as stout, setiferous; dactylus slender. Abdomen: ventral margins of pleura of A1-2 straight or slightly concave; A5 with stout posterolateral spine above articular knob, faint dorsal transverse suture; A6 slender, shorter than telson, dorsal surface flattened in posterior third, with moderate posteroventral spine and small lobe above, ventral sulcus. Telson narrow, tapering to acute point, 2 pairs lateral spines, in distal half of telson; outer uropod slightly longer than inner, former reaches or exceeds tip of telson.
Distinctions C. f. angustimana is distinguished by a stout spine on upper posterolateral margin of A5 somite; long slender chela of P1, 6.0~8.0 times average width, varying from slightly shorter to somewhat longer than antennal scale, but with tip of dactylus crossing under basal part of fixed finger; relatively short dactylus of P3, about 0.15 length of propodus.
Size Males: total 53 mm; females: total 84 mm.
Remarks Rathbun(1902) created the category C. f. angustimana for individuals differing from those in the typical species by the shape of the chela of pereiopod 1. Later (Rathbun,1902), she stated that representatives of the form, C. f. angustimana, were in deeper water. Butler (1980) is of the opinion that separation of C. f. franciscorum into 2 subspecies is valid and appropriate, at least for British Columbia populations. References original description: Rathbun, M.J., 1902a. Descriptions of new decapod crustaceans from the west coast of North America. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 885-90 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Rathbun, M.J. 1904. Decapod crustaceans of the northwest coast of North America. Harriman Alaska Exped. Ser. 10: 210p. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand CRANGON FRANCISCORUM FRANCISCORUM Stimpson, 1856 Bay Crangon
Geographic Range Resurrection Bay, AK to San Diego, CA
Habitat intertidal to 91 m
Morphology Body moderately stout, depressed. Shell thin, surface smooth. Rostrum: short, about 0.15 carapace length, with median sulcus, ascending, tip broadly rounded. Eye: moderately large, cornea well developed, tubercle weak. Antennae: peduncle short, third segment subequal to second, blunt inner, dorsal, distal spine on first segment; stylocerite moderately long, inner flagellum exceeding antennal scale considerably, outer third to half as long; scale about as long as telson, spine exceeding evenly rounded tip of lamella; basicerite, upper lateral lobe, moderate lower spine; peduncle short; flagellum as long as or longer than body. Third maxilliped: moderately long, slender, setiferous; exopod short, with lash. Carapace spines: 1 median spine in anterior fifth of carapace; antennal moderate; hepatic moderate, in line with median; branchiostegal moderate; pterygostomian moderate; orbital margin extending posteriorly over orbital fissure as ridge beyond center of carapace. Band around ventral margin of carapace, widening to lobe adjacent to base of P2. Pereopods: P1 longer than M3, stout; merus, inner spine in proximal half, outer distal lobe; propodus narrow, long, longer in males; fixed finger long, slender; dactylus, when flexed, almost longitudinal, and not crossing the under basal part of fixed finger; P2 shorter than P1, slender; chelate; P3 longer than P2, slender; dactylus slender; P4 longer than P3, a little stouter, setiferous; P5 longer than P4, as stout, setiferous; dactylus slender. Abdomen: ventral margins of pleura of A1-2 straight or slightly concave; A5 with stout posterolateral spine above articular knob, dorsal transverse sulcus; A6 slender, shorter than telson, moderate posteroventral spine with small lobe above, ventral sulcus. Telson: narrow, tapering to acute tip, 2 pairs lateral spines in distal half; outer uropod equal to or slightly longer than inner; both reach or exceed telson slightly.
Distinctions Distinguished by stout spine on upper posterolateral margin of A5 somite; antennal scale apparently invariably longer than chela of P1; P1 chela with tip of dactylus not crossing the under basal part of fixed finger; and dactylus of P3, about 0.25 length of its propodus.
Size Males: total 49 mm; females: total 68 mm.
Coloration Dark and light yellowish gray mottled; eyes salmon colored in life
Remarks Rathbun(1902) created the category C. f. angustimana for individuals differing from those in the typical species by the shape of the chela of pereopod I. In 1904, she stated that representatives of the form, C. f. angustimana, were in deeper water. Butler (1980) is of the opinion that separation of C. f. franciscorum into 2 subspecies is valid and appropriate, at least for British Columbia populations. References original description: Stimpson, W., 1856. On some Californian Crustacea. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 1: 95-99 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Rathbun, M.J. 1904. Decapod crustaceans of the northwest coast of North America. Harriman Alaska Exped. Ser. 10: 210p. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. CRANGON HANDI Kuris & Carlton, 1977 Bay Shrimp
Geographic Range Shell Beach, Sonoma County, California to Colnett Bay, Baja California, Mexico. Type locality Horseshoe Cove, Bodega Head, Sonoma County, California. Has been collected off northern Washington and is also probably present in B C waters.
Habitat Coarse sand, intertidal to 55 m.
Morphology Rostrum: short, not as long as cornea as eye. Carapace: with 1 median dorsal spine, also hepatic and branchiostegal spines. Antennae: stylocerite short and blunt, not as long as first segment of antennular peduncle; scaphocerite with very broad blade, exceeding spine. Third maxilliped: setose, with exopod. Pereopods: P1 stout; merus with 1 spine; hand broad, dactyl closing obliquely against propodus; P2 slender and chelate; P3 slender, with simple dactyl; P4-5 stouter than third. Abdomen: pleura blunt to rounded; A6 relatively short, with shallow ventral groove. Telson: with 2 pair dorsolateral spines, exceeding uropods.
Size Total length to 50.3 mm
Coloration Well camouflaged with bars and patches of white, black, brown or other colors, resembling the sand on which it rests
References original description: Kuris, A.M. & J.T. Carlton, 1977. Description of a new species, Lissocrangon handi, and new genus, Lissocrangon, of crangonid shrimps (Crustacea: Caridea) from the California coast, with notes on adaptation in body shape and coloration.— Biological Bulletin 153: 540-559. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. CRANGON NIGRICAUDA Stimpson, 1856 Sand Crangon Black Tailed Bay Shrimp
Geographic Range Prince William Sound, AK, to San Geronimo Island, Baja California.
Habitat Intertidal to 57 m. C. nigricauda appears about as common as C. alaskensis in Departure Bay and other sheltered localities, on predominantly sand bottoms.
Morphology Body moderately stout, depressed. Shell thin, surface smooth. Rostrum: short, about 0.16 carapace length, with median sulcus, ascending, tip rounded. Eye: moderately large, cornea well developed, tubercle weak. Antennae: peduncle moderately long, third segment subequal to second; stylocerite short; inner flagellum longer than outer, both extend beyond antennal scale; scale shorter than telson, tip of lamella longer mesially, and may or may not exceed spine; basicerite, peduncle moderately long, 2 lateral lobes; flagellum as long as body. Third maxilliped: moderately long, slender; exopod short, with lash. Carapace spines: 1 median spine in anterior third of carapace; antennal moderate; hepatic moderate with short oblique supporting carina, anterior to median; branchiostegal strong, with supporting carina; lateral margin of rostrum extending posteriorly over orbital fissure to almost center of carapace. Band around ventral margin of carapace, widening to lobe adjacent to base of P1 or P2. Pereopods: P1 about as long as M3 stout, dactylus, when flexed, obliquely transverse; P2 longer than P1, slender; chelate; P3 longer than P2, similarly slender; dactylus slender, about 0.12 propodus length; P4 longer than P3, stouter; dactylus slender, about 0.7 propodus length; P5 as long as P4, similarly stout; dactylus slender, about 0.6 propodus length. Abdomen: ventral margins of pleura of A1-2 concave; A5 with blunt dorsal median carina, short transverse sulcus at anterior end; A6 with broad median dorsal carina, and narrow sulcus along midline, ventral sulcus, moderate posteroventral spine.Telson: narrow, tapering to sharp point, broad shallow sulcus in anterior half, 2 pairs dorsolateral spines; widely spaced; inner uropod longer than outer, and exceeding telson.
Distinctions The sand Crangon is distinguished by moderately stout body; telson markedly longer than antennal scale; lamina of antennal scale with tip longer mesially, reaching or exceeding spine; outer antennular flagellum distinctly exceeding antennal scale
Size Males: total 32 mm; females: total 53 mm.
Coloration In California, reported as very dark gray, or blackish, becoming entirely black on tail fan.
References original description: Stimpson, W., 1856. On some Californian Crustacea.— Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 1: 95-9 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand.
LISSOCRANGON STYLIROSTRIS (Holmes, 1900) Smooth Bay Shrimp Smooth Crangon
Geographic Range Chirikof Island, AK, to Santa Cruz, CA . British Columbia east of Rose Spit in Hecate Strait
Habitat intertidal to 80 m L. stylirostris occurs fairly commonly on exposed, sandy beaches on the West coast of Vancouver Island, and on the Queen Charlotte Islands, also in the shallow sublittoral (to 13 m) adjacent to these beaches. Apparently it is well adapted to burying itself in the sand at the surf line and higher in the sand by having flattened segments of the third maxilliped, a broad chela of P1, the slightly flattened dactyli of P4 and P5 and the flattened protopodites of all pleopods. Orientation of the eyes and the setiferous propodi of P4 and P5 are probably are of value to the shrimp in its special habitat.
Morphology Body moderately stout, depressed. Shell thin, surface smooth. Rostrum: short, narrow, median sulcus, descending, tip acute. Eye: small, cornea poorly developed, tubercle weak, stalk short. Antennae: peduncle moderately long, third segment subequal to second; stylocerite moderately long, knife-like; inner flagellum exceeds antennal scale, longer than outer; scale as long as or longer than telson, spine exceeding lamella; latter with oblique inner margin; basicerite, 2 weak lateral spines; peduncle moderately long; flagellum shorter than body. Third maxilliped: short, moderately stout, setiferous; antepenultimate segment broad; penultimate and distal segments flattened; exopod moderately long, with lash. Carapace spines: lacks median; antennal strong; hepatic strong, with oblique supporting carina; branchiostegal strong, pterygostomian moderate; lateral margin of rostrum extending posteriorly as ridge to posterior third of carapace. Band around ventral margin of carapace, widening to lobe adjacent to base of P2. Pereopods: P1 longer than M3, very stout, fixed finger strong, slender, dactylus, when flexed, obliquely transverse; P2 longer than P1, slender, chelate; P3 about as long as P2, as slender, dactylus slender; P4 longer than P3, stouter; propodus outer margin setiferous, dactylus slender, slightly flattened; P5 about as long as P4, as stout, propodus outer margin setiferous, dactylus slender, slightly flattened. Abdomen: ventral margins of pleura of A1, A2, and A4 somites concave; A6 with moderate posteroventral spine and slight ventral sulcus. Telson narrow, tapering to acute tip; 2 pairs of lateral spines; inner uropod narrower and slightly longer than outer, both extend beyond end of telson.
Distinctions Identified by absence of median spine on carapace; short, stout chela of P1; setiferous propodi of P4 and P5
Size Males: total 43 mm; females: total 61 mm.
Synonyms Crangon stylirostris Holmes, 1900 References from synonym: Holmes, S.J., 1900. Synopsis of California stalk-eyed Crustacea.— Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences 7: 1-262, Plates 1-4 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. MESOCRANGON INTERMEDIA (Stimpson, 1860) Northern Spinyhead
Geographic Range The capture of M. intermedia northwest of Amphitrite Point at 44 m, Sept. 25, 1888 (Albatross station 2881) is the sole record of this species in BC waters. There is no known subsequent record in Canadian waters, nor apparently, the coasts of Washington and Oregon.
Morphology Rostrum: relatively short and wide, median sulcus, tip broadly rounded. Carapace spines: 1 or 2 median spines present; submedian spine present; lower submedian present or absent; postorbital, antennal, branchiostegal, and pterygostomian all present, though last sometimes weak. Gastric region depressed, or level with rest of carapace. Abdomen: posteroventral angles of A6 somite not flared as winglike lobes.
Distinctions Superficially, M. intermedia resembles Crangon communis by its body shape, the presence of 2 median carapace spines, and median dorsal carinae on abdominal somites. It differs mainly from C. communis by submedian spines on the carapace; a spine on the inner surface of the merus of P1, and the posterior median spine at the middle of the carapace.
Synonyms Crangon intermedius Stimpson, 1860a Crangon tenuifrons Kingsley, 1883 Sclerocrangon intermedius var. bidentata Balss, 1914b
Remarks Zarenkov (1965) established the genus Mesocrangon to accommodate three species, M. munitella, M. intermedius (Stimpson, 1860), and M.volki (Birshstein and Vinogradov, 1953)[/i]. It is included with M. munitella in Butler’s (1980) key, under the common name northern spinyhead. Superficially, M. intermedia resembles Crangon communis by its body shape, the presence of 2 median carapace spines, and median dorsal carinae on abdominal somites. It differs mainly from C. communis by submedian spines on the carapace; a spine on the inner surface of the merus of P1; and the posterior median spine at the middle of the carapace.
References from synonym: Stimpson, W., 1860a. Prodromus descriptionis animalium evertebratorum, quae in Expeditione ad Oceanum Pacificum Septentrionalem, a Republic Federata missa, Cadwaladore Ringgold et Johanne Rodgers Ducibus, observavit et descripsit. Pars VIII, Crustacea Macrura. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 1860: 22-47 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Zarenkov, N.A. 1965. Revision of the genera Crangon and Sclerocrangon(Decapoda, Crustacea) Zool. Zh. 44(12): 1761-1775. (Transl. from Russian by Fish. Res. Board Can. Transl. Ser 1465, 1970)
MESOCRANGON MUNITELLA (Walker, 1898) Miniature Spinyhead
Geographic Range Goose Island, Queen Charlotte Sound to Santa Catalina Island, CA
Habitat 2-73 m. M. munitella was collected in San Francisco Bay at 6-13 m from a bottom of angular rock fragments, where it was associated with Heptacarpus stimpsoni, Crangon nigricauda, C. franciscorum, and 2 crab species
Morphology Body stout, depressed. Shell thick, surface somewhat rugose. Rostrum: short, about 0.2 carapace length; wide, ventral blade, slightly descending, median sulcus, tip broadly rounded. Eye: moderately large, cornea well developed, strong tubercle. Antennae: peduncle short, third segment subequal to second, first with dorsal, distal lobe; stylocerite short, broad, with small spine; inner flagellum shorter than outer, both shorter than antennal scale; scale shorter than telson, lamella exceeding spine; basicerite, 3 lateral lobes; peduncle long, flagellum shorter than body. Third maxilliped: long, moderately stout; exopod long, with lash. Carapace spines: 2 median, anterior adjacent to base of rostrum, posterior about middle of carapace; carina between median spines; profile of dorsal margin slightly descending; submedian moderate, ahead of mid-carapace, with supporting carina; lower submedian moderate, posterior to submedian, with supporting carina extending to posterior margin of depression; hepatic moderate, in anterior third of carapace, with short supporting carina; postorbital weak, carina from base to lower submedian; antennal moderate; branchiostegal strong, with supporting carina; pterygostomian very weak. Band around ventral margin of carapace widening to lobe adjacent to pereiopod. Pereopods: P1 longer than M3, very stout; propodus oblong, fixed finger long, stout, dactylus, when flexed, obliquely transverse; P2 longer than P1, slender; chelate; P3 longer than P2, as slender, dactylus slender; P4 shorter than P3, stouter, setiferous, dactylus slender; P5 longer than P4, as stout, setiferous, dactyl slightly flattened. Abdomen: A2 with 2 dorsal transverse sulci; A4 with V-shaped lateral sulcus between articular knobs; A5 with curved lateral carina between articular knobs, and anterior dorsal transverse sulcus; A6 with flat dorsal median carina, lateral carina extending from articular knob beyond middle of somite. Telson moderately wide, tapering to rounded tip, 2 pairs dorsolateral spines; inner uropod longer than outer, and overreaching tip of telson.
Distinctions Distinguished from other spinyheads by presence of a lower submedian spine on lateral surface of carapace; abrupt tapering of abdomen in A4 and A5 somites (in dorsal view); wide, T-shaped rostrum; short antennular flagella.
Size Male: unavailable; female: total 23 mm.
Coloration In California 1 specimen was mottled brown with bright markings along back; whole body of another was dark slate color; another was banded with slate color, with center of body red; still another had bands of slate and red alternating.
Synonyms Crangon munitellus Walker, 1898 Remarks The miniature spinyhead apparently is not a common local species.
References from synonym: Walker, A.O., 1898. Crustacea collected by W.A. Herdmann, F.R.S., in Puget Sound, Pacific coast of North America, September 1897.— Transactions of the Liverpool Biological Society 12: 268-287, Plates 5-16 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. METACRANGON ACCLIVIS (Rathbun, 1902) Forked Spineyhead
Geographic Range Trinity Islands, Alaska to 8 mi. west of Cedros Island, Baja California, Mexico. Type locality off Santa Cruz Island, California.
Habitat Continental shelf and slope, among rocks, pebbles and coarse sand, 118-491m
Morphology Rostrum: slender, ascending at 45 o angle, with rounded apex. Eyes: pigmented cornea; with tubercle. Antennae: extremely setose; scaphocerite with blade longer than spine. Third maxilliped: setose, with exopod. Carapace: with anterior median spine obliquely erect, larger than posterior spine and extending beyond orbital margin; submedian and hepatic spines with supporting carinae, also antennal and branchiostegal spines; gastric region depressed. Pereopods: P1 with subchela, dactyl closing obliquely and nearly vertically against propodus; P2 slender and chelate; P3 slender and simple; P4-5 sturdy, setose, with flattened dactyls. Abdomen: A1-A4 without dorsal carinae and with rounded margins; A5 with pleuron having posterolateral point; A6 with 2 dorsal carinae. Telson: 2 pair dorsolateral spines and nearly same length as uropods.
Size Total length to 27.5 mm .
Synonyms Crangon acclivis Rathbun, 1902a
References from synonym: Rathbun, M.J., 1902a. Descriptions of new decapod crustaceans from the west coast of North America.— Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 885-905 Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand METACRANGON MUNITA (Dana, 1852) Coastal Spineyhead
Geographic Range Port Etches, Alaska to San Miguel Island, California. Type locality Puget Sound.
Habitat Continental shelf, on mixed sand and shell, 13-230 m.
Morphology Body short, exoskeleton thick and rugose. Rostrum: shorter than eyes, apex rounded. Eyes: short and pigmented. Antennae: first and second somites of peduncle broad, third very short; stylocerite short; scaphocerite with blunt blade exceeding spine; basicerite with 2 lateral spines. Third maxilliped: setose, with exopod. Carapace: with 2 median spines, submedian and hepatic spines strong and with supporting carinae, branchiostegal strong, pterygostomian weak; gastric region depressed. Pereopods: P1 stout, subchelate, carpus with distal spine, dactyl when flexed obliquely transverse; P2 long and slender, chelate; P3 long and slender, dactyl slender and simple; P4-5 stout and setose, dactyls flattened. Abdomen: Pleura of A1-4 rounded; A5 pleuron with blunt posterolateral spine and faint median dorsal carina; A6 with 2 dorsal median carinae and strong posterodorsal spine, flared posteroventral parts. Telson with median groove, 2 pair dorsolateral spines, slightly longer than uropods.
Distinctions M. munita is separated by gastric region depressed below most of carapace; lack of median dorsal carinae on A1-3 somites, and possibly A4; lack of spines on all pleura except A5; rostrum horizontal, relatively wide, tip broadly rounded.
Size Male: total length 33 mm; female 48 mm.
Coloration Bases of antennae, most of carapace and anterior half of abodmen china white, rest of carapace and abdomen dark brown. Tail fin ending in mottled white band
Synonyms Crangon munitus Dana 1852
References from synonym: Dana, J.D., 1852a. Conspectus crustaceorum quae in orbis terrarum circumnavigatione, Carol Wilkes e classe reipublicae foederatae duce, lexit e descripsit. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 6: 6-28 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand.
METACRANGON SPINOSISSIMA (Rathbun, 1902) Southern Spineyhead
Geographic Range Nootka Sound, British Columbia to San Martin Island, Baja California. Type locality off Point Arena, California.
Habitat Continental shelf, 28-220 m
Morphology Exoskeleton thick. Rostrum: shorter than eye, with acute or rounded apex. Eye: small, pigmented. Antennae: peduncle with first segment longest, first and second segments with distolateral spines; scaphocerite with blade longer than spine; basicerite with 2 blunt lateral spines. Third maxilliped: setose, with exopod. Carapace: with anterior median spine larger than posterior, the 2 joined by median carina; also submedian and subhepatic spines with supporting carina each, strong antennal and branchiostegal spines, weak pterygostomian spine. Pereopods: P1 without spines on merus or carpus, dactyl when flexed obliquely transverse; P2 slender, chelate; P3 slender, with simple dactyl; P4-5 stout, setose, with flattened dactyls. Abdomen: A1-5 with 1-2 ventral spines on pleura, and with median dorsal carina (which may be faint); A6 with 2 dorsal carinae, posteroventral regions strongly flared. Telson: with dorsal median groove, 2 pair dorsolateral spines; shorter than inner uropod.
Distinctions Separated from other species in the genus by 1 or 2 ventral spines on each of A1-5 pleura; anteriorly A2 has a transverse furrow, with adjacent margin produced as slight hood over furrow.
Size Male: total length 30 mm; female 54 mm
Coloration Buff with brownish patches, mottling and bars (Butler, 1980, color plate 1B).
Synonyms Crangon spinosissima Rathbun, 1902a
References from synonym: Rathbun, M.J., 1902a. Descriptions of new decapod crustaceans from the west coast of North America. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 885-905 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand.
METACRANGON VARIABILIS VARIABILIS (Rathbun, 1902) Deepsea Spinyhead
Geographic Range Commander and Pribilof Islands, Bering Sea to San Nicolas Island, California. Type locality off North Head, Akutan Island, Alaska.
Habitat Continental shelf and slope, 92-1271 m.
Morphology Exoskeleton thick. Rostrum: short, not exceeding eye, apex rounded. Eyes: large and pigmented. Antennae: first segment of peduncle long, with distolateral spine, second shorter, with spine, third shortest, also with spine; scaphocerite with spine equal to or longer than blade. Third maxilliped: setose, with exopod. Carapace: with 2 median spines, the anterior slightly larger; submedian spine moderate, hepatic strong with supporting carina, branchiostegal strong and with supporting carina, pterygostomian weak; gastric region depressed. Pereopods: P1 stout, merus and carpus each with 2 distal spines, subchelate, dactyl when flexed obliquely transverse; P2 slender, chelate; P3 slender, with simple dactyl; P4-5 stout, setose, with flattened dactyls. Abdomen: A1-4 pleura rounded; A1-5 with single median dorsal carina; A5 with posterolateral spine; A6 with 2 prominent dorsal carinae, posteroventral regions strongly flared. Telson: with median dorsal groove, 2 pairs lateral spines, about as long as inner uropod.
Distinctions Distinguished from other spinyheads by prominent dorsal median carina on each of A3-5 somites; spine of antennal scale reaching or exceeding lamella; pleura of A1-3 lack spines; P5 with somewhat fewer setae than P4.
Size Male: unavailable; female: total length 38 mm.
Coloration Transparent with grayish tinge, fine orange-brown and gray-brown chromatophores over body (Butler, 1980, color plate 5F).
References from synonym: Rathbun, M.J., 1902a. Descriptions of new decapod crustaceans from the west coast of North America.— Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 885-905 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand.
NEOCRANGON ABYSSORUM (Rathbun, 1902) Abyssal Crangon
Geographic Range East of Kurile Islands, east coast of Japan, Bering Sea to Cortez Bank, California. Type locality Bering Sea, southwest of Pribilof Islands.
Habitat Benthic, 97-2975 m, but usually deeper than 1200 m off California.
Morphology Exoskeleton very thin. Rostrum: short, ascending, narrow, tip acute. Eye: large, cornea well developed, both eyes contiguous. Antennae: peduncle shorter than 0.5x scaphocerite; scaphocerite slender, spine exceeding blade. Third maxilliped: long and slender, exopod present. Carapace: with 2 median dorsal spines, anterior one smaller than posterior; strong antennal, branchiostegal and hepatic spines, weak pterygostomian spine. Pereopods: P1 stout, dactyl closing obliquely across propodus, merus and carpus each with strong distal spine; P2 very slender, chelate; P3-5 slender, with simple, slightly flattened dactyls. Abdomen: A1-5 smooth, A6 with 2 dorsal carinae; pleura with more or ess rounded or obtuse margins. Telson: narrow, with acute tip, median dorsal sulcus, 2 pairs dorsolateral spines, exceeding uropods.
Distinctions Distinguished by very thin shell; large contiguous eyes; deflected antennular peduncle; relatively long, very narrow rostrum.
Size Male: total length 64 mm; female total length 63 mm
Synonyms Crangon abyssorum Rathbun, 1902a
References from synonym: Rathbun, M.J., 1902a. Descriptions of new decapod crustaceans from the west coast of North America.— Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 885-905 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. NEOCRANGON COMMUNIS (Rathbun, 1899) Gray Shrimp
Geographic Range Sea of Japan, east coast of Honshu Island, Chukchi Sea, Bering Sea to San Diego, California, but usually north of Point Conception, California. Type locality off Pribilof Islands
Habitat Mud bottoms, 16-1537 m.
Morphology Exoskeleton thin, pubescence on anterior part of carapace and in abdominal sulci. Rostrum: usually short, rounded., rising at low angle from midline of carapace; rarely rising at a sharp angle and having a ventral plate. Antennae: peduncle short, less than 1/2 length of scaphocerite; scaphocerite narrow, spine exceeding blade. Third maxilliped: long and slender, with exopod. Carapace: with 2 median dorsal spines, moderate antennal, strong branchiostegal and hepatic, and weak pterygostomian spines. Pereopods: P1 with dactylus closing obliquely transverse across propodus, merus with distal spine, carpus with 2 weak distal spines; P2 shorter than first, slender and chelate; P3-4 slender, with simple, slender dactyls. Abdomen: A1-2 smooth, A3-5 with wide median dorsal carina, A6 with 2 median dorsal carinae. Pleura of A4-5 with posteroventral spine each. Telson: slightly exceeding uropods, with median sulcus, 2 pairs dorsolateral spines, rounded tip.
Distinctions Separated from other species of Crangon and Neocrangon by 2 median spines and lacking an inner spine on merus of pereiopod I, by presence of pubescence on carapace and in abdominal sulci; slightly ascending rostrum with rounded tip.
Size Male: total length 61 mm; female total length 80 mm.
Coloration Medium gray over most of body, uniform brown over branchial region, overlaid with pale yellow spots, fine brown to charcoal dots over rest of carapace, abdomen with brown spots and blotches and light yellow spots, spots and patches of magenta to rust on pereopods and telson (Butler, 1980, plate 5D). Specimens from California are dull brick red.
Synonyms Crangon communis Rathbun, 1899
Remarks This species may rank as the most common local shrimp.It occurs coastwide on mud bottoms from the shallow sublittoral to the lower continental slope. On grounds where Pandalopsis dispar, Pandalus jordani, and P. borealis are trawled commercially, N. communis is the most abundant associated shrimp species. In addition to capture by bottom trawls, it also has been collected by midwater trawls. At l locality off Active Pass at maximum depths 128-161 m, specimens were caught at intermediate depths 20-67 m. References from synonym: Rathbun, M.J., 1899. List of Crustacea known to occur on and near the Pribilof Islands. In: Jordan, D.S., The Fur Seals and fur-seal Islands of the North Pacific Ocean, Part 3: 555-557. Washington Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. NEOCRANGON RESIMA (Rathbun, 1902) Crangonid Shrimp
Geographic Range Monterey Bay, California to Baja. Type locality off San Diego, California. Has been found off the coast oF Washington(Kozloff,1974), and may conceivably be in BC waters.
Habitat Muddy, sandy and rocky bottoms, 28-491 m.
Morphology Rostrum: highly variable, often slightly ascending, narrow, shorter than cornea of eyes; in some specimens ascending to sharp apex or having a ventral plate with 0-4 small spines. Eyes: of moderate size. Antennae: peduncle short, less than 1/2 scaphocerite; scaphocerite broader near base than at apex of blade, spine exceeding blade. Third maxilliped: slender, with exopod. Carapace: with 2 median dorsal spines, the anterior of these the smaller of the two, weak antennal and strong branchiostegal and hepatic spines, no pterygostomian spine. Pereopods: P1 with 1 strong and 1 weak meral spine, carpus with 2 weak distal spines, dactylus closing obliquely across propodus. P2 slender and chelate. P3-4 long and slender, dactyls simple. Abdomen: somites smooth to very weakly carinate except for A6, which bears 2 dorsal carinae. Pleura rounded except for A4-5, which bear posterolateral spines. Telson shorter than or about as long as uropods, with 2 pair dorsolateral spines.
Size Male: total length 55 mm; female total length 20-70 mm
Coloration Body semi-translucent, mottled with greenish brown and scarlet on dorsal and lateral surfaces, ventral surface white, antennae banded with scarlet and white.
Synonyms Crago zacae Chace, 1937b Crangon resima Rathbun, 1902a
Remarks Until recently, it was thought that N. resima could be recognized by a distinctive raised rostrum with a ventral plate. However, this shape seems to occur in less than 10% of the population. The shape of the rostrum and its angle relative to the carapace is highly variable and not a reliable feature for identification. See Wicksten, 1996 for illustrations and a discussion.
References from synonym: Rathbun, M.J., 1902a. Descriptions of new decapod crustaceans from the west coast of North America. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 885-905. Kozloff, E.N. 1974. Keys to the marine invertebrates of Puget Sound, the San Juan archipeligo, and adjacent regions. Univ. Wash. Press, Seattle Wicksten, M.K. 1996. Neocrangon zacae (Chace, 1937) synonymized with N. resima (Rathbun, 1902), and compared with N. communis (Rathbun, 1899) (Decapoda: Caridea: Crangonidae). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 109: 39-43. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand
PARACRANGON ECHINATA (Dana, 1852) Horned Shrimp Spiked Shrimp
Geographic Range Port Etches, Alaska to La Jolla, California; Sea of Okhotsk, Sea of Japan to Korea Strait, Sagami Bay. Type locality Puget Sound.
Habitat Mixed or rocky bottoms, 7-201 m.
Morphology Rostrum: long, with one moderate dorsal tooth near middle; anterior margin with 1 tooth near tip and long curved tooth at base. Eyes: moderate size. Antennae: peduncle of first long; stylocerite short, tip rounded; scaphocerite of second antenna not exceeding second segment of peduncle of first antenna; blade exceeding spine. Third maxilliped: long and slender, distal spine on proximal segment, exopod present. Carapace: with 4 median dorsal teeth on median carina, anterior teeth smaller than posterior; strong antennal spine, massive and flared branchiostegal spine, strong pterygostomial spine; dorsolateral surfaces carinated forming irregular quadrangular spines with spines at angles of the carinae; deep sulcus from base of posterior median spine across cardiac region. Pereopods: P1 about as long as M3, dactylus of subchela closing obliquely, merus with distal spine; P2 absent; P3-4 similar, longer than P1, slender; dactyls with acute tips. Abdomen: somites carinate behind A2; A3 carina especially high, dorsolateral surfaces of pleura A1-5 each with 2 vertical sulci, pleura 1-5 having strong lateral spines. Pleura of A6 with 2 median dorsal carinae, midlateral spine, lower lateral, posteroventral and posterodorsal spines. Pleura of male with lateral sternal spines; in female, spines absent. Telson: with 2 median dorsal spines and 3 pairs dorsolateral spines.
Distinctions Distinguished from all other British Columbia shrimps by its spiny body; long, obliquely erect rostrum; long, massive branchiostegal spines (suggesting shrimp’s common name); absence of P2.
Size Male: total length 44 mm; female: toatal length 65 mm.
Coloration Light brownish gray, generally overlaid with small brown or black spots (Butler, 1980, pl. 2D); mottled brown and translucent or yellowish.
Synonyms Paracrangon echinatus Dana, 1852a
Remarks The horned shrimp is fairly common along the entire British Columbia coast, generally shallower than 91 m. During capture, specimens invariably are observed to be in the cataleptic position, the abdomen flexed upward at a nearly 45 degree angle. References original description: Dana, J.D., 1852a. Conspectus crustaceorum aquae in orbis terrarum circumnavigatione, Carol Wilkes e classe reipublicae federatae duce, lexit e descripsit. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 6, 6-28 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand. RHYNOCRANGON ALATA (Rathbun, 1902) Saddleback Shrimp
Geographic Range Peter the Great Bay, U.S.S.R.; Akutan Island, Bering Sea to Santa Barbara Channel, California. Type locality Admiralty Inlet, Puget Sound.
Habitat 11-167 m, on hard rocks or shale.
Morphology Body stout, shell thick and knobby. Rostrum: short, about 0.5 carapace length, with broad base, curved concavely from base to apex. Eyes: small and exposed. Antennae: peduncle not as long as scaphocerite; spine of scaphocerite slightly exceeding blade. Third maxilliped: long and stout, with exopod. Carapace: with 2 dorsal spines arising from median carina, antennal, branchiostegal and weak pterygostomian spines, hepatic spine on each side. Pereopods: P1 with sharp distal spine on carpus, dactylus of subchela closing transversely across propodus; P2 slender and chelate; P3 slender, dactylus slender and acute; P4-5 stout, dactyls slender and acute. Abdomen: A1-2 with large median dorsal tubercles; A3 with high median carina with posterior projection; A4-5 each with median dorsal carina, projected posteriorly as blunt spine; pleura rounded or obtuse. Telson: shorter than uropods, with 2 pairs minute dorsolateral spines and acute tip.
Distinctions Distinguished by stout, compressed, knobby body; saddle-like appearance of adjoining second and third abdominal somites in lateral view; short, broad chela ofP1; concave outer margin of antennal scale.
Size Male: total length 44 mm; female total length 45 mm
Coloration Male: total length 44 mm; female total length 45 mm
Synonyms Sclerocrangon alata Rathbun, 1902a
Remarks The stalked processes, shown in Butler’s (1980, p93) illustration, on the carapace, abdomen, and P4, are not attached organisms but appear to be plumose setae arising from the shell.
References from synonym: Rathbun, M.J., 1902a. Descriptions of new decapod crustaceans from the west coast of North America. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 885-905 Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand
SCLEROCRANGON BOREAS (Phipps, 1774) Sculptured Shrimp
Geographic Range Pacific: Chukchi Sea; Bering Sea to Bare Island, Washington; Okhotsk Sea; Sea of Japan, to Maritime Territory. Atlantic: Arctic Canada, south to Cape Cod; North Atlantic Ocean and arctic Europe, Novaya Zemla, Spitsbergen, Iceland, Greenland, to Faroe Islands and northern Norway The first known collection of S. boreas on the British Columbia coast was in Dean Channel in 1951
Habitat 0-366 m
Morphology Body stout, depressed. Shell thick, surface rough, heavily sculptured, pubescent over most of body. Rostrum: short, 0.25-0.33 carapace length, arched over eye, then descending, dorsally converging to blunt tip, median dorsal sulcus, deep, narrow, ventral keel. Eye: small, cornea well developed, moderate tubercle. Antennae: peduncle long, third segment subequal to second, distal dorsal spine on third segment; stylocerite short, lamellar, lateral margin thickened, with blunt distal spine; inner flagellum longer than outer, both extending beyond antennal scale; scale wide, outer margin convex, lamella exceeding spine; basicerite, strong upper blunt lateral spine, lower weak spine; peduncle long; flagellum shorter than body. Third maxilliped: long, stout, setiferous; penultimate and distal segments flattened, paddlelike; tip broadly rounded; exopod short, with lash. Carapace spines and carinae: 3 strong dorsal spines, if 4, extra arises from base of middle spine; short oblique carina, having 5 or 6 lobes or tubercles, extending from middle dorsal spine, joining fine carina, extending anteriorly to lateral margin of rostrum; suborbital weak, rounded; antennal moderate; branchiostegal strong, with supporting carina, flared somewhat; pterygostomian weak to moderate; heavy tuberculated oblique carina extending from point posterior to antennal spine to strong hepatic spine; posterior to hepatic spine, heavy, tuberculated branchial carina arching to margin; short, curved, tuberculated carina lies under the hepatic spine and branchial carina; at about posterior third of carapace, heavy, tuberculated, oblique carina branches toward the dorsal mid-line, between the posterior margin and the base of the posterior dorsal spine; frontal margin of carapace between antennal and branchiostegal spines, elevated and thickened; most of gastric and cardiac regions depressed. Pereopods: P1 about as long as M3, very stout, merus has 1 distal spine; carpus has 2 distal spines, propodus oblong, fixed finger strong and stout, dactylus, when flexed, obliquely transverse; P2 longer than P1, slender, chelate; P3 as long as or slightly longer than P2, about as slender, dactylus tip acute; P4 about as long as P3, much stouter, setiferous, dactylus moderately stout, tip acute; P5 shorter than P4, as stout, setiferous, dactylus moderately stout, tip acute. Abdomen: wide, heavy, dorsal carina on each of A1-5; that on A1 produced anteriorly as prominent lobe, that on A5 produced posteriorly as slight lobe; median carina of A2 divided in 2, posterior part more prominent; those of A3-5 notched anteriorly; dorsal posterior margins of A1-4 notched medially; 2 carinae on pleuron of A1 converging transversely, adjacent to median carina; posterolateral margiiis of A2-5 elevated as wide, tuberculated carinae, adjacent to transverse sulci and confluent with dorsal carinae; pleura of A1-5 with raised ventral margins, also ventral margin of A6 flaring laterally, ending in moderate spine; pleura of A2-4 with weak posteroventral spines; posteroventral sector of A5 armed with weak spine, flaring laterally; A6 shorter than telson with 2 dorsal median carinae, reaching posterior margin, and with arched, tuberculated lateral carina. Telson: moderately wide, tapering to acute tip, median dorsal sulcus, 2 pairs dorsolateral spines in distal third; inner uropod slightly longer than outer, both may or may not reach tip of telson. Distinctions Notable for stout body and thick shell, with intricate sculpturing and general pubescence. May be separated from saddle-back shrimp by 3 dorsal carapace spines (middle l may be bifurcated); antennal scale with convex outer margin, and lamella exceeding spine; normally with posteroventral spines on pleura of A2-5.
Size Males: total 110 mm; females: total 108 mm.
Coloration Bright red, marked with spots of reddish brown. Brown and tan, with a few flecks of chalky white, green, and dull yellow .
Synonyms Cancer arctica Dewhurst, 1834 Cancer boreas Phipps, 1774 Cancer homaroides O. Fabricius, 1780
Remarks There are reports of variations in the morphology of the species. Specimens from British Columbia are fairly uniform with respect to dorsal carapace spines, lengths of branchiostegal and pterygostomian spines, and spines on the pleura of abdominal somites. The species appears to be more common along the north coast of the province
References Butler, T.H. 1980. Shrimps of the Pacific coast of Canada. Ottawa; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Wicksten, M.K. 2012. Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces. Magnolia Press, Aukland, New Zealand