Das S.1, Tripathy B.1, Subramanian K.A.2, Bicknell R.D.C.3 2021. On abnormal Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (Latreille, 1802) (Chelicerata: Xiphosurida) from the Indian Sundarbans and possible conservation directions // Arthropoda Selecta. Vol.30. No.1: 63–88 [in English].

1 Zoological Survey of India, M- Block, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal India.

2 Zoological Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, 130, Santhome High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028 India.

3 Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351 Australia. E-mails: rdcbicknell@gmail.com ; rbickne2@une.edu.au

doi: 10.15298/arthsel.30.1.06

ABSTRACT. Xiphosurida are iconic group of marine chelicerates that have been subject to more than 200 years of neonatological and palaeontological scrutiny. However, recent studies have identified that there is very little data concerning abnormal specimens, and even less data on wild populations. The present study aims to rectify this dearth of information by documenting abnormal Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda from the Indian Sundarbans. We illustrated 36 abnormal specimens and attribute the abnormalities to injuries. Morphological differences between injured relative to non-injured individuals are considered and possible causes for injuries are discussed. Major anthropogenic threats are highlighted, with the aim of illustrating the key directions needed to conserve the unique mangrove horseshoe crab in the Indian Sundarbans.

KEY WORDS: Abnormalities, Xiphosura, horseshoe crabs, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, Indian Sundarbans, conservation.

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