STUDIES ON THE SYSTEMATICS AND DISTRIBUTION OF MARINE BRACHYURA IN MALAYA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE FAMILIES PORTUNIDAE AND MAJIDAE

Abstract

Although, 24 species of Malayan portunids have been redescribed. Wherever possible, special attention has been drawn to the geographical variations that distinguish a species from one in a neighbouring region. The dentation and granulation of the carapace, together with the spination of the cheliped have therefore been dealt with in some detail. Apart from these, the structure of the first pleopod of the male have particularly emphasized for each species. In the Majidae, the spines and tubercles on the carapace, together with the structure of the first pleopod of the male have been mainly adopted in the descriptions. A total of 8 species have been described in this way; including 2 that are considered to be new. The habitats and distribution for the species of both the Portunidae and Majidae in Malaya have been given separately as well as tabulated at the end of each group. Keys for the species of these two families of crabs have also been supplied. These, together with the illustrations were designed to provide rapid identification for each species. In the catalogue which follows, all species of other important families of Brachyura known to exist to date in Malaya have been listed. The families included are the Dromiidae, Calappidae, Leucosiidae, Dorippidae, Parthenopidae, Xanthidae, Goneplacidae, Grapsidae, and Ocyopdidae. Each species in these families has been supplied with relevant references to the literature, followed by records of its distribution.