Paromola cuvieri, (RISSO, 1816)

Martin, Joel W. & Haney, Todd A., 2005, Decapod crustaceans from hydrothermal vents and cold seeps: a review through 2005, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 145 (4), pp. 445-522 : 495

PAROMOLA CUVIERI ( RISSO, 1816)

Type locality: Mediterranean Sea , France, Nice, ‘des grandes profondeurs’ .

Known range: Known from the North Atlantic and eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the Hebrides and southern Scandinavia south to Angola, including the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands, the Tripp Seamount, and the Mediterranean, from 10 to 1000 m depth (although usually from 80 to 300 m) ( Manning & Holthuis, 1981; Guinot & Richer de Forges, 1995; Biscoito, 1997, in Desbruyères & Segonzac, 1997).

Occurrence at vents and seeps: limited to the Menez Gwen site of the MAR ( Biscoito, 1997: 205, in Desbruyères & Segonzac, 1997).

Material: No material known from hydrothermal vents or cold seeps (see below).

Remarks: We are aware of only one mention of this species in association with hydrothermal vents or cold seeps. Biscoito (1997: 205, in Desbruyères & Segonzac, 1997) included this species in a handbook of hydrothermal vent fauna, noting ‘ one specimen was observed over an arborescent coral, off the active site’ (Menez Gwen) (see photograph in Biscoito, 1997: 205, in Desbruyères & Segonzac, 1997). Biscoito also noted its coloration (bright orange) and propensity for carrying a sponge with the prehensile back (5th) pereiopods. See Guinot & Richer de Forges (1995) for the taxonomic history, distribution and behaviour of this species.

FAMILY MAJIDAE SAMOUELLE, 1819