taxonID	type	description	language	source
94415A55FFD6FF846C307B2D9D3FC7F3.taxon	description	Figs 1, 12, 15 A, Table 1	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD6FF846C307B2D9D3FC7F3.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined SOUTH AFRICA • 2 ♂♂ (16.4 – 18.8 mm); Africana Stn A 32821; 35 ° 09 ′ 47.88 ″ S, 23 ° 00 ′ 38.52 ″ E; depth 450 m; 5 Oct. 2016; SAMC, SAMC-A 094740 • 1 ♂ (18.4 mm), 1 ♀ (17.0 mm); Africana Stn A 32822; 35 ° 11 ′ 54.61 ″ S, 22 ° 56 ′ 34.80 ″ E; depth 512 m; 5 Oct. 2016; SAMC, SAMC-A 094742 • 2 ov. ♀ (19.0 – 22.0 mm); Nansen Trawl Stn 14; 29 ° 21 ′ 36.00 ″ S, 31 ° 58 ′ 12.00 ″ E; depth 397 – 403 m; 1 Feb. 2018; SAMC, SAMC-A 094759 • 1 ♂ (15.1 mm); Africana Stn A 29644; 34 ° 54 ′ 58.80 ″ S, 24 ° 08 ′ 10.20 ″ E; depth 460 m; 27 Apr. 2009; SAMC, SAMC-A 069738 • 1 ♀ (18.6 mm); Africana Stn A 21587; 34 ° 43 ′ 48.00 ″ S, 24 ° ?? ′ 33 ″ E; depth 313 m; 29 Apr. 2003; SAMC, SAMC-A 094566.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD6FF846C307B2D9D3FC7F3.taxon	description	Description Colouration (in life, Fig. 15 A) Carapace and pleonites 1 – 3 orange or red, darker around bases of spines, rostrum and supraocular spines. Pleonites 4 – 6 whitish. P 1 – 4 meri orange or red (banded white and orange / red in supermales), spines and squamae more strongly coloured. P 1 with lighter orange patches at carpus-propodus joint and bases of fingers. In supermales, merus-carpus, carpus-propodus joints and fingers darker than rest of appendage. P 2 – 4 with small orange spot at base of carpus and propodus, while distal two-thirds of dactyli bright red. Extensor margin of P 1 – 4 meri with iridescent blue setae. Antennal flagellum mostly red, often whitish distally. Female CARAPACE. Width slightly greater than postorbital carapace length, with numerous short striae and interrupted transverse ridges with rows of short setae. Frontal margins transverse. Gastric region with pair of epigastric spines posterior to supraocular spines. Branchial region with 3 pairs of postcervical spines. Lateral margins convex, widest at midpoint with long iridescent setae; anterolateral spine curved upwards, reaching sinus between rostrum and supraocular spine, second lateral spine considerably shorter than anterolateral spine, third and fourth spines set at angle along anterior cervical groove, last 2 posterior branchial spines smallest. Rostrum spiniform, curved upwards, 0.4 × as long as carapace; supraocular spines ca half as long as rostrum. STERNUM. Thoracic sternites with numerous short striae. Sternite 3 half as wide as sternite 4. Sternal plastron mid-length 0.6 × as wide as sternite 7. PLEON. Pleonites 2 – 4 covered with squamae, each with 4 spines along anterior transverse ridge; pleonite 4 with strong median spine on posterior transverse ridge. Telson 1.8 × as wide as long; anterolateral margin sinusoidal, concave and smooth over half length; lateral margin convex, narrower posteriorly than anteriorly. EYE. Ocular peduncles as long as broad. Maximum corneal diameter 0.9 × as wide as width between bases of supraocular spines. ANTENNULE. Article 1 with distomesial spine longer than both 2 distolateral and small lateral spines. ANTENNA. Article 1 with strong distomesial process exceeding posterior margin of antennular article 1 and entire antennal peduncle; article 2 with large distomesial process overreaching article 3, small spine on mesial margin, small distal spine on lateral margin; articles 3 – 4 unarmed. MXP 3. Ischium 1.4 × as long as merus, with distoflexor spine. Merus with spine around midlength on flexor margin, extensor margin with strong distal spine followed by several small eminences. Carpus, propodus and dactylus unarmed, but bearing long setae. P 1. Approximately 3.6 – 3.7 × as long as carapace, covered with flat squamae, bearing short setae and longer iridescent setae. Merus 1.0 – 1.1 × as long as carapace, carpus 0.5 – 0.6 × as long as merus, palm 0.8 × as long as merus, fingers 1.1 × as long as propodus. Merus with 1 + 14 spines on dorsal margin, 6 – 7 spines on mesial margin, 16 spines on lateral margin (not visible in Fig. 1) and distal spine with 1 – 3 spine-like squamae on ventral margin. Carpus with 1 + 4 spines on dorsal margin, 4 spines on lateral margin (not visible in Fig. 1) and 6 spines on mesial margin. Palm with 5 spines on dorsal margin, 1 + 5 spines on mesial margin and some spine-like squamae, 1 + 3 spines on lateral face on distal margin; finger cutting edges each with row of approximately 50 denticles. P 2 – 4. P 2 moderately long and slender, 3.1 – 3.3 × as long as carapace, merus 1.2 – 1.4 × as long as carapace, 6.8 – 9.6 × as long as greatest width, carpus 0.2 – 0.3 × as long as merus, propodus 0.5 – 0.6 × as long as merus, dactylus 0.4 × as long as merus; ischium extensor margin with 1 + 3 – 4 spines, flexor margin with distal spine; merus with 1 + 15 – 20 spines along extensor margin, with 1 + 8 – 9 spines on flexor margin; carpus with 1 + 1 – 3 spines on extensor margin, large distal spine on flexor margin; propodus with row of robust setae on flexor margin, distally paired; dactylus 5.6 × as long as basal width, evenly curved over distal two-thirds, with row of 20 robust setae distal to heel of flexor margin. P 3 2.9 – 3.1 × carapace length, merus 0.8 – 1.2 × as long as carapace, 6.3 – 6.5 × as long as greatest width, carpus 0.3 × as long as merus, propodus 0.7 × as long as merus, dactylus 0.6 – 0.7 × as long as propodus; ischium with 1 + 3 spines on extensor margin, with distal spine on flexor margin, merus with 1 + 15 – 20 spines on extensor margin, with 1 + 7 – 11 on flexor margin; propodus with row of robust setae on flexor margin, distally paired; carpus with 1 + 2 – 3 spines on extensor margin, large distal spine on flexor margin; dactylus distal two-thirds evenly curved, 6.1 × as long as basal width, with row of 3 – 4 robust setae distal to heel of flexor margin. P 4 2.8 – 3.1 × as long as carapace, merus 1.1 – 1.2 × as long as carapace, 6.0 – 7.0 × as long as greatest width, carpus 0.3 × as long as merus, propodus 0.6 – 0.7 × as long as merus, dactylus 0.5 – 0.6 × as long as propodus; ischium extensor margin with 1 + 3 spines on flexor margin, extensor margin with distal spine, merus with 1 + 14 spines on extensor margin, flexor margin with 1 + 8 – 10 spines, with 1 – 4 proximal spines on lateral face; propodus with row of robust setae on flexor margin, with distal pair; carpus with 1 + 3 spines on extensor margin, large distal spine on flexor margin; dactylus less curved than P 2 and P 3, less setose distally, 6.1 × as long as basal width, with 2 robust setae distal to heel of flexor margin. Male Based on SAMC-A 094740, pcl 18.0 mm. Anterolateral margin of telson similar as in female. P 1 merus as long as carapace, carpus 0.6 × as long as merus, propodus 0.8 × as long as merus, finger 0.9 × as long as propodus. Merus with 1 + 5 spines on dorsal margin, 14 spines on lateral face, 5 – 8 spines on mesial margin. P 2 3 × as long as carapace, carpus 0.3 × as long as merus, dactylus 0.6 × as long as propodus, with row of 13 robust setae on flexor margin, distal to heel. P 3 2.9 × as long as carapace, dactylus 0.5 × propodus as long as, with 2 robust setae distal to heel on flexor margin. P 4 2.8 × as long as carapace, dactylus 0.6 × as long as propodus; with 3 robust setae distal to heel of flexor margin. Variation Ranges noted in above description. Some variation with regards to morphometrics between South African specimens and original description. Several ratios between articles of appendages vastly different, for example, P 1 palm originally described as 1.9 × as long as merus; however, in South African specimens, P 1 palm 0.8 × as long as merus. General distribution Mozambique, Madagascar, Glorieuses Islands, Mayotte Island, depth 394 – 833 m, and now South Africa. South African distribution Shelf edge South of Knysna to uThukela, depth 280 – 512 m (Fig. 12). Genetic data COI, 16 S, see Table 1.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD6FF846C307B2D9D3FC7F3.taxon	discussion	Remarks This species is part of the Agononida incerta complex described by Poore & Andreakis (2012, 2014). These authors examined material from Mozambique and Madagascar, which were previously recorded as A. incerta (Henderson, 1888), and deemed these to be their new species, A. africerta. They also suggested that Kensley’s (1977) material, which they erroneously deemed as being from Mozambique, but was actually collected from iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area in north-eastern South Africa, is likely to be the same new species. Upon examination of morphological and genetic data for the South African material, it can be confirmed that these specimens, previously identified as Munida incerta (later changed to A. incerta) are indeed A. africerta. The present study greatly expands the distribution of this species, as the material of ‘ M. incerta ’ was only reported from iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area to the shelf edge off Knysna (Fig. 12). The South African material differs in several aspects with regards to morphometrics when compared to the original description by Poore & Andreakis (2012). However, it is worth noting that their measurements were taken from photographs, as opposed to measuring physical specimens (hence the reason a redescription is given above). Meanwhile, the specimens agreed well with regards to diagnostic characters of A. africerta. This species is frequently caught together with Gonionida benguela (de Saint-Laurent & Macpherson, 1988) (Munididae) on the south and east coast, as well as Scyramathia hertwigi Chun, 1900 (family Epialtidae Mac Leay, 1838), Metanephrops mozambicus Macpherson, 1990 (family Nephropidae Dana, 1852) and Haliporoides triarthrus Stebbing, 1914 (family Solenoceridae Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891) on the east coast. The South African material aligns well with Mozambican A. africerta material and has almost no genetic divergence at 0.0 – 0.2 % (16 S; Table 1) and 0.0 % (COI; Table 1). The South African A. africerta material also has low divergence with A. vanuacerta Poore & Andreakis, 2014 (0.8 – 1.2 % 16 S) and A. indocerta Poore & Andreakis, 2012 (0.8 – 1.4 % 16 S; 2.7 – 3.0 % COI). Interestingly, A. madagascerta Poore & Andreakis, 2014 which is also known from the area, is more distantly related, with a divergence of 12.7 – 13.1 %.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD2FF8B6C677A74985AC3DE.taxon	description	Figs 2, 12	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD2FF8B6C677A74985AC3DE.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined None available and identified on the basis of the photograph shown in Fig. 2.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD2FF8B6C677A74985AC3DE.taxon	distribution	General distribution Kenya, Mauritius, depth 37 – 119 m, and now South Africa. South African distribution South of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, depth 95 – 105 m (Fig. 12).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD2FF8B6C677A74985AC3DE.taxon	discussion	Remarks Due to the elusive nature of species of Babamunida Cabezas, Macpherson & Machordom, 2008, identification from colour photographs is often the only way to record their presence. This has been shown to be effective by Poupin et al. (2012) and Schnabel et al. (2009), who reported on B. hystrix (Macpherson & de Saint-Laurent, 1991) and B. kanaloa Schnabel, Martin & Moffitt, 2009 from French Polynesia and and the Hawaiian Islands, respectively. Schnabel et al. (2009) states that characteristic colouration can be used for species diagnoses in the genus. This specimen was observed, but not collected, during the African Coelacanth Ecosystem Program (ACEP): Imida Frontiers expedition led by Kerry Sink with the SeaEye Falcon 12177 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) (Fig. 2). The identification is made based on the distinct rostrum and short supraocular spines, the broad P 1 carpus and palm, and the P 4 merus which is more than half the length of the P 2 merus and does not reach the anterior margin of the carapace, as well as the colour pattern, which is diagnostic of B. brucei. As described by Baba (1974), the colour pattern includes a reddish-brown body, purple transverse lines on the posteriormost ridge on the carapace and the posterior margins of the pleonites 2 – 4 and lastly pale spots and bands on P 1 – 4. The specimen reported here agrees well with all these characters, moreover, as B. brucei is the only species from this genus known from the Indian Ocean (off the East coast of Kenya), there is confidence in this identification. This is the first record of the genus Babamunida in South Africa. Species in this genus are elusive, and many have been observed to occupy burrows or holes (Schnabel et al. 2009; Poupin et al. 2012) and if they are observed in the open, they rapidly move to a nearby hole or burrow. This obviously increases the difficulty of collections and could be the reason they have not previously been collected from South Africa.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDDFF8A6FCE7E6A9C69C204.taxon	description	Fig. 12	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDDFF8A6FCE7E6A9C69C204.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined SOUTH AFRICA • 1 ov. ♀ (8.7 mm); Africana II Stn A 318; 16 ° 51 ′ 00.00 ″ S, 16 ° 51 ′ 00.00 ″ E; depth 2524 – 2780 m; 9 Dec. 1959; SAMC, SAMC-A 010525. Colouration According to Liu et al. (2013), anterior part of carapace (anterior branchial, cardiac, gastric and hepatic region), antennal, antennular and ocular peduncles deep pink; posterior part of carapace (intestinal and posterior branchial region) and pleon pink; P 1 – 5 and telson light pink. No updated colour information available, as examined specimen was preserved in ethanol. General distribution Western Indian Ocean, depth 2218 m, and now South Africa. South African distribution West of Cape Town, depth 2523 – 2780 m (Fig. 12).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDDFF8A6FCE7E6A9C69C204.taxon	discussion	Remarks This addition represents not only a new species record but also a new genus record for South Africa. Although the only material was a disarticulated specimen, it agrees well with the original description. Interestingly, the species was described from a hydrothermal vent field on the Southwest Indian Ridge at a similar depth of 2218 m and is one of two species in the family Munididae known to occur in hydrothermal vent fields, the other being Typhlonida magniantennulata (Baba & Türkay, 1992). This is the first time since the original description of a single ovigerous female and increases the known depth range substantially, representing one of the deepest munidid records ever recorded. Kensley (1968) appears to have recorded this species but only listed it as Munida sp., followed by a brief description of some characters. That specimen was collected using a beam trawl, together with Galacantha rostrata A. Milne-Edwards, 1880, a common munidopsid from South Africa at more than 2500 m depth.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDCFF8F6F867CDC9886C522.taxon	description	Figs 3, 13, 15 B, Table 1	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDCFF8F6F867CDC9886C522.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis The carapace with 3 – 4 pairs of epigastric spines of which the longest pair behind the supraocular spines. The frontal margins slightly oblique. The branchial lateral margins with five spines. The rostrum spiniform, less than half as long as the carapace and curved upwards distally. The surface of the thoracic sternite 7 lateral margins smooth. The pleonite 2 armed with 8 – 10 spines on anterior transverse ridge and the pleonites 3 – 6 unarmed. The antennular article 1 with two well-developed, subequal distal spines; two lateral spines of which the distal much longer than the proximal and exceeding the distomesial spine. The antennal article 1 with a strong distomesial spine, not exceeding the distal margin of the article 2. The article 2 with a distomesial spine exceeding the distal margin of the article 4; the distolateral spine barely exceeding the midlength of the article 3. The article 3 unarmed. The Mxp 3 ischium with a small distal spine on the flexor margin; the merus slightly shorter than the ischium measured along the extensor margin, armed with two well-developed spines on the flexor margin of which the proximal spine almost twice as long as the distal spine; the extensor margin unarmed. The P 1 – 4 covered with short dense setae and long iridescent setae.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDCFF8F6F867CDC9886C522.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined SOUTH AFRICA • 1 ♂ (17.1 mm); Africana Stn A 10136; 34 ° 10 ′ 0 ″ S, 26 ° 50 ′ 18 ″ E; depth 670 m; 2 Jun. 1990; SAMC, SAMC-A 40002 • 2 ♂♂ (20.4 – 22.3 mm); Africana Stn A 22817; 32 ° 21 ′ 0 ″ S, 16 ° 28 ′ 12 ″ E; 450 m depth; 9 Feb. 2004; SAMC, SAMC-A 094552 • 4 ♂♂ (17.6 – 21.5 mm); Africana Stn A 22810; 32 ° 16 ′ 48 ″ S, 16 ° 22 ′ 48 ″ E; depth 455 m; 7 Feb. 2004; SAMC, SAMC-A 094553 • 2 ♂♂ (16.7 – 16.8 mm); Africana Stn A 32822; 35 ° 11 ′ 54.61 ″ S, 22 ° 56 ′ 34.8 ″ E; depth 512 m; 5 Oct. 2016; SAMC, SAMC-A 094741 • 1 ♂ (19.0 mm); Africana Stn A 34830; 35 ° 18 ′ 18.71 ″ S, 22 ° 47 ′ 12.8 ″ E; depth 555 m; 18 Apr. 2021; SAMC, SAMC-A 094748 • 1 ♂ (18.0 mm); Africana Stn A 34832; 35 ° 11 ′ 43.4 ″ S, 23 ° 00 ′ 32.4 ″ E; depth 527 m; 18 Apr. 2021; SAMC, SAMC-A 094749 • 1 ♀ (18.0 mm); Nansen Trawl Stn 7; 29 ° 42 ′ 36 ″ S, 31 ° 29 ′ 24 ″ E; depth 263 – 267 m; 30 Jan. 2018; SAMC, SAMC-A 094756 • 1 ♂ (12.8 mm); Nansen Trawl Stn 14; 29 ° 21 ′ 36 ″ S, 31 ° 58 ′ 12 ″ E; depth 397 – 403 m; 1 Feb. 2018; SAMC, SAMC-A 094758 • 1 ov. ♀ (16.5 mm); Compass Challenger Stn D 00877; 34 ° 06 ′ 2.52 ″ S, 17 ° 31 ′ 21.72 ″ E; depth 514 m; 1 Feb. 2022; SAMC, SAMC-A 094754 • 1 ♂ (15.8 mm); UCT Ecological Survey Stn LBT 74; 32 ° 01 ′ 58.8 ″ S, 16 ° 05 ′ 00.00 ″ E; depth 500 m; 23 Sep. 1971; SAMC, SAMC-A 79354 • 1 ov. ♀ (19.6 mm); Africana Stn A 29631; 35 ° 18 ′ 30 ″ S, 22 ° 46 ′ 48 ″ E; depth 545 m; 24 Apr. 2009; SAMC, SAMC-A 069682 • 2 ♂♂ (19.9 – 22.6 mm), 2 ♀♀ (18.3 – 20.0 mm); Africana Stn A 19417; 33 ° 15 ′ 00.00 ″ S, 17 ° 10 ′ 12 ″ E; depth 471 m; 20 Jan. 1999; SAMC, SAMC-A 094561 • 1 ov. ♀ (17.4 mm); Africana Stn A 22823; 32 ° 01 ′ 12 ″ S, 16 ° 16 ′ 12 ″ E; depth 459 m; 9 Feb. 2004; SAMC, SAMC-A 094565 • 1 ♀ (21.0 mm); Africana Stn A 23595; 35 ° 12 ′ 00.00 ″ S, 22 ° 56 ′ 52.8 ″ E; depth 500 m; 2 May 2004; SAMC, SAMC-A 094564 • 1 ♂ (12.2 mm); Africana Stn A 09138; 30 ° 05 ′ 24 ″ S, 14 ° 53 ′ 24 ″ E; depth 470 m; 3 Aug. 1989; SAMC, SAMC-A 094563 • 1 ♂ (12.4 mm); Africana Stn A 32158; 31 ° 03 ′ 18.12 ″ S, 15 ° 42 ′ 13.38 ″ E; depth 451 m; 13 Jan. 2012; SAMC, SAMC-A 073877.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDCFF8F6F867CDC9886C522.taxon	description	Variation Ranges noted in above diagnosis. Dorsal surface of carapace with small spines rarely present posterior to parahepatic spine. Colouration (in life; Fig. 15 B) Colour of dorsal surface of carapace and pleonites 2 – 3 brick red or pinkish; pleonites 4 – 6 and telson white (pleonite 4 occasionally partially reddish). Rostrum and supraocular spines mostly reddish, seldomly white. P 1 pinkish or reddish. P 2 – 4 pinkish or reddish, distal part of propodi and proximal part of dactyli whitish. General distribution Namibia, Mozambique, Mayotte Island, Madagascar and South Africa, depth 252 – 825 m. South African distribution Orange River to Mozambican border, depth 263 – 825 m (Fig. 13). Genetic data COI, see Table 1.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDCFF8F6F867CDC9886C522.taxon	discussion	Remarks This species is by far the most common and widely-distributed munidid and is frequently caught by demersal trawl research vessels. It is the only munidid found along the entire coastline of South Africa, often caught along with Agononida africerta on the south and east coasts. Other species frequently found in the same trawls include the majoid crab Scyramathia hertwigi, the hermit crab Parapagurus bouvieri Stebbing, 1910, the mud crab Dyspanopeus sp. and the whelk Fusitriton magellanicus (Röding, 1798). The South African material aligns with Mozambican material as it has a divergence of 0.0 % (COI; Table 1). Gonionida benguela is closely related to G. crosnieri Macpherson, Rodríguez-Flores & Machordom, 2023 with a divergence of 2.3 % (COI, see Macpherson et al. 2023). COI divergence is greater than 24.0 % (though the sequence is short at 320 base pairs) to G. hoda (Macpherson, Rodríguez-Flores & Machordom, 2017) and 10.9 – 11.1 % to G. shaula (Macpherson & de Saint Laurent, 2002). Gonionida benguela can morphologically be separated from G. shaula by the lack of spines along the anterior transverse ridge of the pleonite 3 and the P 1 palm shorter, not 1.4 × as long as fingers, as in G. shaula. It can also be distinguished from G. hoda by the rather transverse frontal carapace margins and the antennal article 1 with a strong distomesial spine reaching the end of the article 2, instead of the oblique frontal carapace margins and a weaker distomesial spine of the antennal article 1 not reaching the end of the article 2.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD9FF8F6F427BF39DB6C18F.taxon	description	Fig. 13	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD9FF8F6F427BF39DB6C18F.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined SOUTH AFRICA • 1 ♂ (5.9 mm); Meiring Naude Stn J 10; 31 ° 44 ′ 18 ″ S, 29 ° 32 ′ 12 ″ E; depth 350 m; 4 Jul. 1985; SAMC-A 094550 • 2 ♂♂ (5.1 – 5.9 mm); Meiring Naude Stn J 9; 31 ° 44 ′ 18 ″ S, 29 ° 32 ′ 42 ″ E; depth 300 m; 4 Jul. 1985; SAMC, SAMC-A 094551.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD9FF8F6F427BF39DB6C18F.taxon	description	Variation In South African specimens examined, carapace with branchial dorsal spine and Mxp 3 merus with small spine on extensor margin. General distribution Mozambique, depth 630 – 715 m, and now South Africa. South African distribution South of Port St. Johns, depth 300 – 350 m (Fig. 13).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD9FF8F6F427BF39DB6C18F.taxon	discussion	Remarks The South African specimens agree well with the original description of G. hoda and were found slightly shallower than previously recorded. Previously only known from southern Mozambique. This is only the second time since the original description that this species has been collected and represents a small southwards range extension. This species is somewhat similar to G. shaula; however, it differs in the unarmed third pleonite. See under Remarks of G. benguela for differences from that species.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD8FF8E6F8979649A44C19E.taxon	description	Fig. 13	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD8FF8E6F8979649A44C19E.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined SOUTH AFRICA • 2 ♂♂ (5.3 – 6.4 mm), 1 ov. ♀ (6.3 mm); RV Pickle Stn 25; 29 ° 56 ′ 00.00 ″ S, 31 ° 19 ′ 30 ″ E; depth 412 m; 26 Aug. 1929; ZMUC, ZMUC CRU- 11526.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD8FF8E6F8979649A44C19E.taxon	description	Variation South African specimens with 3 lateral spines on antennular article 1 (not 2 as in original description); 2 – 4 spines on the pleonite 2 (not 7 – 9 spines); carapace transverse ridges mostly uninterrupted. Colouration According to Macpherson et al. (2017), carapace and pleon orange to orange-red; rostrum and supraocular spines orange-reddish; pleonites 5 – 6 whitish with few orange ridges; tailfan whitish; P 1 pink-whitish, with some red bands on distal portions of carpus, palm and fingers, and several dorsal spines reddish. P 2 – 4 whitish with some red bands. General distribution Mozambique, Madagascar, La Réunion, Zanzibar and South Africa, depth 263 – 510 m. South African distribution East of Durban, depth 412 m (Fig. 13).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFD8FF8E6F8979649A44C19E.taxon	discussion	Remarks The material reported under this name included specimens previously reported by Baba (2005) under the name Munida kuboi Yanagita, 1943 from off Durban at a depth of 412 m. Prior to Baba (2005), G. shaula was described as Munida shaula from Madagascar by Macpherson & de Saint Laurent (2002), which included some material reported under the name M. kuboi. Baba (2005) acknowledged this newly described species, but noted that one of the South African specimens bore a distomesial spine on the antennal article 1 that terminated at the midlength of article 4, and as he states “ However, it bears the spine terminating in the midlength of the article 4, not overreaching the peduncle ”. It is worth noting that the original description by Macpherson & de Saint Laurent (2002) does not state that the spine overreaches the antennal peduncle but that it reaches the end of the peduncle. The ZMUC CRU- 11526 specimens have distomesial spines on the antennal second article that either almost reach or reach the end of the peduncle. This differs from that of G. kuboi, where the distomesial spine of the antennal article 2 only reaches the end of article 3. Based on this information, as well as considering the known distribution ranges of G. kuboi (Bali Sea, between Cebu and Bohol, Illana Bay off SW Mindanao, N of Sulawesi, S of Mindoro, South China Sea off SW Luzon, Taiwan, and the Sea of Japan and Sagami Bay, Japan) and G. shaula (Southwest Indian Ocean), these specimens of G. kuboi from South Africa are better referred to G. shaula (see G. benguela remarks for genetic divergence values and morphological differences.). This species was collected along with two other squat lobster species; Galathea lumaria Baba, 2005 and Uroptychus simiae Kensley, 1977.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDBFF8C6C11792698F4C03F.taxon	description	Figs 4, 12	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDBFF8C6C11792698F4C03F.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined SOUTH AFRICA • 1 ov. ♀ (6.6 mm); Meiring Naude Stn ZB 22; 27 ° 02 ′ 24.00 ″ S, 32 ° 54 ′ 54.00 ″ E; depth 75 m; 6 Jun. 1990; SAMC, SAMC-A 094532 • 1 ♂ (4.6 mm); Meiring Naude Stn ZDD 2; 27 ° 14 ′ 36.00 ″ S, 32 ° 48 ′ 48.00 ″ E; depth 74 m; 9 Jun. 1990; SAMC, SAMC-A 094534 • 1 ♂ (9.7 mm, with externa of a Thompsoniidae Høeg & Rybakov, 1992 on P 1 – 4); Meiring Naude Stn ZH 3; 27 ° 32 ′ 48.12 ″ S, 32 ° 42 ′ 36.00 ″ E; depth 68 m; 3 Jun. 1987; SAMC, SAMC-A 094533 • 1 ♂ (7.2 mm); Meiring Naude Stn ZH 4; 27 ° 33 ′ 12.00 ″ S, 32 ° 42 ′ 48.00 ″ E; depth 85 m; 3 Jun. 1987; SAMC, SAMC-A 094579.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDBFF8C6C11792698F4C03F.taxon	description	Variation Distal spines of antennal article 2 variable, occasionally distolateral spine longer than distomesial, unlike original description, which notes a longer distomesial spine. Antennal article 3 of all South African specimens armed with small distomesial spine, unlike unarmed in original description. Colouration (in life; Fig. 4) Carapace and pleon orange-red, with some white bands along dorsal surface; lateral margins with white blotches. P 1 have white and red bands, distal portion of fingers red (white in western Pacific specimens; Macpherson et al. 2023). P 2 – 4 red with no bands. General distribution Western Pacific Ocean from New Caledonia, Vanuatu to Japan, depth 32 – 194 m, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mozambique Channel, depth 60 – 277 m, and now South Africa. South African distribution Off Boteler Point and Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, depth 68 – 85 m (Fig. 12). Genetic data COI, 16 S, see Table 1.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDBFF8C6C11792698F4C03F.taxon	discussion	Remarks This species is recorded as cf. as the status of Raymunida vittata, R. elegantissima (De Man, 1902) and R. lineata Osawa, 2005 remain unresolved (Macpherson et al. 2023). Raymunida vittata and R. lineata are separate species because they have different morphological and colour characters. However, R. vittata or R. lineata may actually belong to R. elegantissima considering the variability of the antennal spination showed in Osawa (2012). Genetic data show that neither clade is monophyletic, with both clades including both specimens of R. vittata and R. elegantissima. The South African material forms part of the R. vittata clade (Botha 2025). To add to the confusion, Emmerson (2016) lists R. lineata from KwaZulu-Natal, although the reference to this is listed as IOC-Mainbaza, (Bouchet. pers. com.) and it is unclear where the specimen was from. Without conclusive evidence, this should not be retained as a species record from South Africa. The South African material has low divergence values of 0.2 – 0.4 % (16 S) and 0.9 – 1.1 % (COI) to R. vittata s. lat. known from the SWIO. This material is also quite similar to specimens identified as R. elegantissima with a divergence of 0.4 % (16 S) and 0.9 – 1.2 % (COI). It is, however, quite distantly related to R. insulata Macpherson & Machordom, 2001, at 5 % (16 S) and 15.6 % (COI). More material (and inclusion of further molecular markers) of these species from different areas are required to resolve this species complex. One of the specimens examined bears the externa of a Rhizocephalan species of Thompsoniidae Høeg & Rybakov, 1992. Apparently Thompsonia Kossmann, 1872 has been reported from South Africa (Høeg & Rybakov 1992), but more work is required to confirm the identification. This record of R. vittata from South Africa represents a small range extension, as it was previously reported from Mozambique and the greater SWIO region (Poupin et al. 2022; Macpherson et al. 2023). The specimen displayed in Fig. 4 was not examined, though it is very similar to the specimen of R. vittata reported by Poupin et al. (2022, fig. 9 f) from Mayotte.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDAFF916FDE7E8898ABC0D3.taxon	description	Figs 5, 14	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDAFF916FDE7E8898ABC0D3.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined SOUTH AFRICA • 3 ♂♂ (1.6 – 1.8 mm); Durban Bay; 29 ° 52 ′ 42.31 ″ S, 31 ° 10 ′ 0.41 ″ E; depth 99 m; 5 Feb. 2021; SAMC, SAMC-A 094791 • 2 ♂♂ (1.6 – 1.7 mm); UCT Ecological Survey N. A. D. STN 3; 30 ° 47 ′ 6 ″ S; 30 ° 29 ′ 6 ″ E; depth 44 m; 17 May 1958; SAMC, SAMC-A 094578 • 1 ♂ (1.9 mm); off Umgeni River; 29 ° 49 ′ 14.41 ″ S, 31 ° 14 ′ 17.05 ″ E; depth 110 m; 5 Feb. 2021; SAMC, SAMC-A 094745.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDAFF916FDE7E8898ABC0D3.taxon	description	Description CARAPACE. 1.1 × as long as broad, with weak secondary transverse striae often interrupted between main transverse ridges. Carapace with few scattered setae, dorsal ridges nude. Gastric region with 2 – 3 pairs of small epigastric spines, longest pair behind supraocular spines. One pair of postcervical spines present behind mid-transverse ridge. Frontal margins oblique. Lateral margins weakly convex. Anterolateral spine well-developed, nearly reaching base of supraocular spines; 1 spine behind anterolateral spine, anterior to cervical groove on well-rounded hepatic region. Branchial margins with 5 spines. Rostrum broad, triangular, slightly less than half length of remaining carapace, sometimes distally notched and slightly upturned. Supraocular spines short, about 0.2 × as long as rostrum. STERNUM. Surface of thoracic sternites smooth. Sternite 3 somewhat boat-shaped, anterior margin with median notch. Sternite 4 anterior margin somewhat sinuous, serrated anterolaterally and contiguous to sternite 3. PLEON. Pleonites unarmed. Pleonites 2 and 3 each with 1 uninterrupted ridge behind anterior ridge. Pleonites 4 and 5 with interrupted short ridges behind anterior ridge. Posteromedian margin of pleonite 6 straight. EYE. Ocular peduncles approximately as long as broad, maximum corneal diameter 0.4 × distance between bases of anterolateral carapace spines. ANTENNULE. Article 1 with 2 well-developed distal spines, distomesial shorter than distolateral; 2 lateral spines (excluding distal), proximal spine minute. ANTENNA. Article 1 distomesial spine short, reaching mid-length of article 2. Article 2 with distomesial spine almost reaching distal margin of article 3; distolateral spine reaching mid-length of article 3. Article 3 with or without minute distomesial spine, small distolateral spine may be present. MXP 3. Ischium with small distal spine on both flexors. Merus shorter than ischium; flexor margin with 2 spines, proximal spine well-developed, distal spine sharp, smaller than proximal spine; extensor margin with small distal spine (not illustrated) followed by short protuberances. Carpus unarmed. P 1. 2.4 – 2.7 × as long as carapace, with some iridescent, long setae. Merus 0.8 – 0.9 × as long as carapace, 2.7 × as long as carpus, with distal spines on dorsal, ventral, lateral and mesial margins, dorsomesial spine strongest, rows of small spines dorsally. Carpus 0.6 – 0.7 × as long as palm, 1.7 – 2.1 × as long as broad, with spines on dorsomesial and dorsolateral margins and tooth-like process on ventral surface. Palm 2.0 – 3.0 × as long as broad, with rows of lateral and mesial spines. Fingers as long as palm; fixed finger with several distal spines followed by few blunt spines, cutting edge with row of small spines; movable finger with small spine on mesial margin. P 2 – 4. Moderately long and slender, with some long, iridescent setae (not illustrated) on extensor margin; lateral surface with setiferous scales. P 2 2.2 – 2.5 × as long as carapace. Meri shorter posteriorly (P 3 merus 0.8 – 0.9 × as long as P 2 merus, P 4 merus 0.8 × as long as P 3 merus); P 2 merus 0.8 – 0.9 × as long as carapace, 7.5 – 10.6 × as long as broad, 1.4 – 1.6 × as long as propodus; P 3 merus 5.3 – 7.5 × as long as broad, 1.2 – 1.5 × as long as P 3 propodus; P 4 merus 4.9 – 6.7 × as long as broad, 1.0 – 1.3 × as long as propodus. P 2 – 3 meri each with row of 8 blunt spines on extensor margin, distal largest, sharp; P 4 merus with 2 proximal spines and large distal spine on extensor margin; flexor margins of P 2 – 4 with 7 – 9 spines, P 2 lateral margins row of spines, unarmed on P 3 – 4. Carpi with 2 – 3 spines on extensor margin; flexor margin with distal spine, followed by some low eminences. P 2 – 4 propodi 7.4 – 8.2 × as long as broad; extensor margin unarmed; flexor margin with 5 – 6 slender, movable spines. Dactyli long, slender, 0.9 – 1.0 × as long as propodi; flexor margin with 4 – 5 spinules, but no spinule at base of unguis. Variation Ranges noted in above description. In all specimens examined, antennal article 3 with minute distomesial spine (not illustrated), but distolateral spine present in original description. P 1 2.4 – 2.7 × as long as carapace, whereas originally described as more than 3.0 ×. General distribution Mozambique, depth 62 m, and now South Africa. South African distribution East coast from Durban to Port Shepstone, depth 44 – 99 m (Fig. 14).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFDAFF916FDE7E8898ABC0D3.taxon	discussion	Remarks These are the first specimens of this enigmatic species since the original description of a single female by Tirmizi & Javed (1980) and more importantly, the first time a male has been observed and illustrated. It is a new record for South Africa (collected by Dr Elodie Heyns funded by an FBIP small grant project), although, as the holotype was collected east of Beira, Mozambique, so these new specimens represent only a modest range extension and slightly increased depth range. The South African material corresponds well to the original description, as they are also very small at ~ 2 mm pcl, have five spines on the carapace lateral margins behind the cervical groove, no granules on the lateral parts of the thoracic sternite 7, no spines on the pleonite 2, large eyes and a distolateral spine on the antennular article 1 longer than the distomesial spine. However, there are some slight differences from the original description, the P 1 ratio to the carapace length is 2.4 – 2.7, while it was described to be in excess of 3.0. It is worth noting that the original description was based on a single female specimen, giving no indication of variation. Unfortunately, DNA extractions of the specimens examined were unsuccessful. This species is easily recognised from other species of Trapezionida in South African waters by the broad rostrum with short supraocular spines and their small size (pcl <2.0 mm). Trapezionida janetae is also of similar size, but has a slender rostrum and three instead of five pairs of carapace epigastric spines, unlike in T. antonbruuni.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC7FF906C227EA19BADC59A.taxon	description	Fig. 14	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC7FF906C227EA19BADC59A.taxon	materials_examined	Type material Holotype SOUTH AFRICA • ♂ (6.0 mm including rostrum); IIOE Stn 390 L; 29 ° 35 ′ 00.00 ″ S, 31 ° 38 ′ 00.00 ″ E; depth 150 m; 9 Sep. 1964; USNM, USNM 181103. General distribution Madagascar, Mozambique, Red Sea, Southwest Australia and South Africa, depth 70 – 456 m. South African distribution East of Durban, KwaZulu – Natal, depth 118 – 150 m (Fig. 14).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC7FF906C227EA19BADC59A.taxon	discussion	Remarks No specimens were available for examination in the present study and this record is based on the literature cited above. This species was originally described from South Africa and remains valid. It has subsequently been described from other Indian Ocean localities (Macpherson et al. 2017). In South Africa, the species is easily recognised by having spines on the anterior transverse ridge of the fourth pleonite and short carapace supraocular spines.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC6FF976C0C7C7B9D53C214.taxon	description	Figs 6, 14	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC6FF976C0C7C7B9D53C214.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Images taken on SCUBA, but not collected. General distribution Flic en Flac, Mauritius, depth 55 m, and now South Africa. South African distribution Aliwal Shoal, KwaZulu-Natal, depth 30 m (Fig. 14).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC6FF976C0C7C7B9D53C214.taxon	discussion	Remarks This species was identified from two high quality photographs (Fig. 6) taken by Mike and Valda Fraser. The identification is made based on several inferences, the first is the shallow depth from which it was recorded. It is relatively uncommon for munidids to be reported from less than 50 m depth. Secondly, several characters are shared between the specimens in the photographs and T. barbeti as described from Mauritius. These are the five pairs of epigastric spines and four spines on the branchial margin (also relatively uncommon) of the carapace, as well as the spinature on the chelipeds. Lastly, the colour of the individuals in photographs corresponds well to that of the original description by Galil (1999), which reads: “ Carapace vivid red, triangular yellow patches on hepatic region. Pleon red with round yellow patch anteriorly. Chelipeds and pereiopods striped red and yellow ”. Clearly, these specimens are similar to T. barbeti. However, as we do not have any collected material, the identification is given as Trapezionida cf. barbeti. A similar identification for this species was made by Poupin et al. (2022) who also identified this species in Mayotte based on colour images (which look identical to the South African images, compare Fig. 6 of this study and Poupin et al. 2022: figs 9 b – c). This species is also noted as a frequently observed inhabitant of the mesophotic zone (between 30 – 150 m), which is not different in South African waters and can be assumed is the case for most of the SWIO region. This represents a new record for South Africa and is a modest range extension, as this species was described from Mauritius, and has been reported from Mayotte, Seychelles Islands and La Reunion.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC1FF946C3F7CF89AC4C505.taxon	description	Figs 7, 14	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC1FF946C3F7CF89AC4C505.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined SOUTH AFRICA • 9 ♂♂ (2.2 – 3.2 mm); KZN Museum Stn 2021 - 02 _ xx 117; 29 ° 49 ′ 14.41 ″ S, 31 ° 14 ′ 17.05 ″ E; depth 110 m; 5 Feb. 2021; SAMC, SAMC-A 094799 • 1 ♂ (1.8 mm); KZN Museum Stn 2021 - 02 _ xx 117; 29 ° 49 ′ 14.41 ″ S, 31 ° 14 ′ 17.05 ″ E; depth 110 m; 5 Feb. 2021; SAMC, SAMC-A 094762.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC1FF946C3F7CF89AC4C505.taxon	description	Description CARAPACE. Slightly longer than broad, with some secondary striae between main transverse ridges. Dorsal surface with transverse ridges bearing short non-iridescent setae and some scattered long, iridescent setae. Gastric region with 5 – 6 pairs of epigastric spines, largest pair posterior to supraocular spines; 1 – 2 small median spines behind rostral spine. One parahepatic, dorsal branchial and postcervical spine on each side. Frontal margins slightly sinuous, nearly transverse. Anterolateral spine well-developed, not reaching level of sinus between rostrum and supraocular spines; 1 – 3 spines in front of anterior branch of cervical groove. Branchial margins with 5 spines. Rostrum spiniform, keeled dorsally, serrate distally, about 0.4 × as long as carapace. Supraocular spines very short, less than one third length of rostrum, directed slightly upwards. STERNUM. Sternite 3 slightly narrower than sternite 4 anterior margin, broadly V-shaped notch on anteromedian margin. Sternite 4 anterior margin transverse, surface with some striae; sternites 5 – 7 smooth. PLEON. Pleonite 2 anterior transverse ridge unarmed; pleonites 2 and 3 each with deep, median groove, anterior half of each pleonite with 1 uninterrupted stria, lateral parts of each pleonite with 2 short striae. Pleonite 4 with 2 uninterrupted, ridges. Pleonite 5 with 1 posteromedian ridge (not illustrated). Pleonite 6 with 2 transverse ridges, anterior ridge short, posteromedian ridge interrupted medially. EYE. Ocular peduncles wider than long, maximum corneal diameter 0.4 × distance between bases of anterolateral carapace spines. ANTENNULE. Article 1 with 2 subequal distal spines, lateral margin with 2 – 3 spines, distalmost spine largest, exceeding distolateral spine. ANTENNA. Article 1 with distomesial spine barely overreaching distal margin of article 2. Article 2 distomesial spine reaching midlength of article 4, distolateral spine reaching half of article 3. Article 3 with small distolateral spine and sometimes with small distomesial spine. MXP 3. Ischium with small distal spine each on flexor and extensor margins. Merus with 2 subequal spines on flexor margin, extensor margin with small distal spine. Carpus unarmed. P 1. 2.4 – 2.7 × as long as carapace, with some short plumose setae and several long iridescent setae along mesial margins of articles. Merus 0.9 × as long as carapace, 3.0 × as long as carpus, with some small dorsal spines; strong distal spines, distomesial spine largest, reaching mid-length of carpus, distolateral spine followed by several eminences and small spines. Carpus 0.6 × as long as palm, 1.2 × as long as broad; mesial margin with 3 – 4 spines, distalmost spine strongest; dorsal surface with some small spines. Palm 1.8 × as long as broad, with rows of dorsal, lateral and mesial spines. Fingers longer than palm, fixed and movable fingers each with marginal row of spines, ending in slender claw. P 2 – 4. Moderately long and slender, with some plumose and long iridescent setae along extensor margin. P 2 2.1 – 2.3 × as long as carapace. Meri shorter posteriorly (P 3 merus 0.9 × as long as P 2 merus; P 4 merus 0.8 × as long as P 3 merus); P 2 merus 0.7 × as long as carapace, 5.6 × as long as broad, 1.2 – 1.3 × as long as propodus; P 3 merus 5.0 × as long as broad, 1.1 – 1.2 × as long as P 3 propodus; P 4 merus 4.1 × as long as broad, as long as P 4 propodus. P 2 – 3 meri with row of 9 – 10 spines on extensor margin, P 4 merus with 3 – 4 proximal spines; flexor margins with some distal spines, followed by several eminences; lateral surfaces unarmed. Carpi extensor margins with 2 – 4 spines on P 2 – 3 and 1 spine on P 4; lateral surface with some striae; flexor margin with distal spine. Propodi 4.7 – 5.1 (P 2 – 3) and 4.5 (P 4) × as long as broad; extensor margin unarmed; flexor margin with 7 – 9 movable spines. Dactyli slender, 0.8 – 0.9 × as long as propodi; flexor margin with 5 – 7 spinules, no spine on base of unguis. Variation Ranges noted in above description. In all South African specimens, Mxp 3 with 2 spines on flexor margin, instead of 3 spines in original description. Sternite 3 V-shaped medially, more rounded in original description. Rostrum keeled, but not illustrated in original description. In some specimens, antennal article 3 with distomesial spine. General distribution Somalia, Red Sea and South Africa, depth 55 – 118 m. South African distribution Off Durban, depth 110 – 118 m (Fig. 14).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC1FF946C3F7CF89AC4C505.taxon	discussion	Remarks This is the second record of T. janetae since the original description based on two females. The males examined correspond well to the original description and were collected from roughly the same location as the paratype. They were sampled along with another munidid, T. antonbruuni, as well as the galatheid, Galathea labidolepta Stimpson, 1858 (collected by Dr Elodie Heyns funded by an FBIP small grant project). This species can easily be distinguished from other species of the genus Trapezionida found in South African waters by the small size (pcl <3.5 mm), the short supraocular spines, the five pairs of carapace epigastric spines and P 1 fingers that are longer than the palm.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC2FF996FC27BEF9DD3C293.taxon	description	Figs 8, 10 B, 14, 15 C, Table 1	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC2FF996FC27BEF9DD3C293.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined SOUTH AFRICA • 1 ♂ (6.2 mm); missing locality data; depth 91 m; 14 Mar. 1901; SAMC, SAMC-A 8235 • 1 ♂ (6.1 mm); UCT Ecological Survey N. A. D. Stn 11; 29 ° 46 ′ 00.00 ″ S, 31 ° 17 ′ 00.00 ″ E; depth 130 m; 23 Apr. 1958; SAMC, SAMC-A 19510 • 1 ov. ♀ (5.4 mm); Meiring Naude Stn ZJ 3; 27 ° 42 ′ 54.00 ″ S, 32 ° 40 ′ 54.00 ″ E, depth 160 m; 8 Jun. 1988; SAMC, SAMC-A 094572 • 1 ♂ (6.8 mm); Meiring Naude Stn ZJ 1; 27 ° 43 ′ 12.00 ″ S, 32 ° 39 ′ 42.00 ″ E; depth 50 m; 8 Jun. 1988; SAMC, SAMC-A 094538 • 1 ov. ♀ (5.4 mm); Meiring Naude Stn ZC 10; 27 ° 06 ′ 00.00 ″, 32 ° 53 ′ 18.00 ″ E, depth 74 m; 6 Jun. 1990; SAMC, SAMC-A 094537 A 094538 • 1 ov. ♀ (6.3 mm); Meiring Naude Stn ZD 4; 27 ° 11 ′ 06.00 ″ S, 32 ° 50 ′ 54.00 ″ E; depth 100 m; 9 Jun. 1990; SAMC, SAMC-A 094535 • 1 ov. ♀ (5.4 mm); missing locality data; depth 183 m; 1 Mar. 1963; SAMC, SAMC-A 094575 • 1 ♂ (4.5 mm), 1 ♀ (3.1 mm); KZN Museum Stn 2021 - 02 _ xx 115; 29 ° 50 ′ 04.00 ″ S, 31 ° 14 ′ 09.00 ″ E, depth 135 m; 5 Feb. 2021; SAMC, SAMC-A 094779.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC2FF996FC27BEF9DD3C293.taxon	description	Description CARAPACE. Slightly longer than broad, several secondary striae present between main transverse ridges. Dorsal surface with ridges bearing short, dense non-iridescent setae and numerous scattered long iridescent setae; 5 – 6 pairs of epigastric spines, longest pair behind supraocular spines, 1 – 2 small median spines behind rostral spine; 1 – 3 parahepatic spines, 1 dorsal branchial and 1 postcervical spine on each side. Frontal margins moderately oblique, serrated. Lateral margins slightly convex; anterolateral spine well-developed, not reaching level of sinus between rostrum and supraocular spines; 2 – 3 spines in front of anterior branch of cervical groove. Branchial margins with 5 spines. Rostrum spiniform, 0.5 × as long as carapace. Supraocular spines not reaching mid-length of rostrum, slightly divergent, directed slightly upwards. Pterygostomian flap with longitudinal ridges and small scales on surface. STERNUM. Thoracic sternites 4 – 5 with several short striae on surface; sternites 6 – 7 without striae, lateral portion of sternite 7 with granules. PLEON. Pleonite 2 anterior transverse ridge with 8 spines; pleonites 2 – 4 each with 3 – 4 uninterrupted transverse striae; pleonite 5 with 2 short ridges; pleonite 6 with 3 ridges, first and second interrupted medially. EYE. Ocular peduncles slightly longer than broad, maximum corneal diameter 0.3 × distance between bases of carapace anterolateral spines. ANTENNULE. Article 1 with 2 well-developed distal spines, distomesial longer than distolateral; 2 – 3 lateral spines, distal spine much longer than proximal spine, exceeding distomesial spine. ANTENNA. Article 1 with distomesial spine reaching distal margin of article 2. Article 2 with distomesial spine slightly exceeding distal margin of article 4; mesial margin with small spine; distolateral spine reaching distal margin of article 3. Article 3 unarmed. MXP 3. Ischium with distal spine on both flexor and extensor margins. Merus with 3 spines on flexor margin and distal spine on extensor margin. Carpus unarmed. Surface of ischium and merus covered with small scales. P 1. About 3.0 × as long as carapace, with short non-iridescent setae. Merus as long as carapace, 2.9 × as long as carpus, with several dorsal and mesial spines, distal spines strong, distomesial spine not reaching proximal third of carpus. Carpus about half as long as palm, 1.7 × as long as broad, with small spines on dorsal surface and well-developed spines on mesial margins. Palm 2.9 × as long as broad, with rows of spines on mesial and lateral margins and dorsal surface. Fingers 1.2 × as long as palm; fixed finger with row of spines on lateral margin; dactylus with some spines on proximal half. P 2 – 4. Moderately long and slender, with some short, plumose and long iridescent setae along extensor margin of articles. P 2 1.9 – 2.1 × as long as carapace. Meri shorter posteriorly (P 3 merus 0.8 × as long as P 2 merus, P 4 merus 0.7 × as long as P 3 merus); P 2 merus 0.8 × as long as carapace, 10.0 × as long as broad, 1.3 × as long as propodus; P 3 merus 4.7 × as long as broad, 1.1 – 1.2 × as long as P 3 propodus; P 4 merus 3.8 × as long as broad, as long as P 4 propodus. Extensor margins of P 2 – 3 meri with 9 – 12 proximally diminishing spines, distal spine strong, extensor margin of P 4 meri with several proximal spines and distal spine; flexor margins with some distal spines followed proximally by some eminences; lateral surfaces unarmed. Carpi with 4 proximally diminishing spines on extensor margins of P 2 – 3, only distal spine on extensor margin of P 4; flexor margin with distal spine; lateral surface with several short ridges sub-parallel to extensor margin of P 2 – 3. Propodi 5.6 (P 2 – 3) and 6.1 (P 4) × as long as broad; extensor margin unarmed; flexor margin with 10 – 12 movable spines. Dactyli slender, 0.6 – 0.7 × as long as propodi; extensor margin unarmed; flexor margin with 7 – 8 movable spinules, spinule at the base of the unguis (not illustrated); P 2 dactylus 4.8 × as long as broad. Variation Ranges noted in above description. Most specimens with a row of 2 median epigastric spines on carapace, instead of 1 spine as originally described. Antennular article 1 with 3 (4 in one specimen) lateral spines instead of 2 depicted spines in original description. Antennal article 1 with distomesial spine clearly exceeding distal margin of article 2, instead of barely reaching that margin. In some specimens examined, antennal article 3 with distolateral spine. Genetic data COI, see Table 1. General distribution Madagascar, Mozambique (this study) depth 23 – 209 m, and now South Africa. South African distribution Aliwal Shoal to Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, depth 50 – 183 m (Fig. 14).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFC2FF996FC27BEF9DD3C293.taxon	discussion	Remarks Some specimens of Trapezionida semoni (Ortmann, 1894) identified by Barnard (1950) and Kensley (1981) are herein transferred to T. limula instead, as the specimens have a distal spine on the extensor margin of the Mxp 3 merus and granules on the sternite 7, both diagnostic characters of T. limula which are absent in T. semoni. These specimens correspond well to the original description in all other regards. Some of the T. semoni material are also transferred to T. mesembria (Macpherson, Rodríguez-Flores & Machordom, 2017) in this study. South African specimens of T. limula are most closely related to T. roshanei (Tirmizi, 1966) with a divergence of 19.5 – 19.8 % (COI) (McCallum et al. 2021, western Australia material of T. roshanei). Interestingly, T. limula seems quite distantly related to other species in the genus; however, this is the first ever sequence of the species and more material is required to understand relationships with other species. This species is redescribed and depicted here as it was previously described in 1993, and the present description follows the most up-to-date convention on taxonomically important features. It is superficially similar to T. janetae, as both species have five pairs of epigastric spines and a median epigastric spine, as well as five lateral spines behind the cervical groove on the carapace. However, T. limula can easily be distinguished by having a row of spines on the anterior transverse ridge of the pleonite 2 and granules on the lateral parts of the thoracic sternite 7, both characters are absent in T. janetae.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCFFF9D6C797D619C15C38D.taxon	description	Figs 9, 10 A, 14	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCFFF9D6C797D619C15C38D.taxon	materials_examined	Type material Holotype SOUTH AFRICA • 1 ♂ (7.4 mm); Meiring Naude Stn ZN 2; 28 ° 17 ′ 18.0 ″ S, 32 ° 33 ′ 36.0 ″ E; depth 100 – 120 m; 10 Jun. 1988; SAMC, SAMC-A 094536.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCFFF9D6C797D619C15C38D.taxon	etymology	Etymology The specific epithet refers to the unusually long and slender Pl of this species and is derived from the isiZulu word ‘ isandla’ which means hand, used in combination with long. The isiZulu is the predominant language spoken in KwaZulu-Natal, where this species was found. The name is used as a noun in apposition.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCFFF9D6C797D619C15C38D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis The carapace with six pairs of epigastric spines of which the longest pair posterior to the supraocular spines and the two median epigastric spines posterior to the rostrum. The frontal margins oblique. The branchial margins with five spines. The rostrum spiniform, 0.6 × as long as the carapace and dorsally carinated. The sternite 7 with granules on the lateral parts. The pleonite 2 armed with nine spines on the anterior transverse ridge and the pleonites 3 – 6 unarmed. The antennular article 1 with two distal spines of which the distomesial spine slightly longer than the distolateral; the lateral margin with two spines of which the distal spine much longer than the proximal, exceeding the distolateral spine, and with much smaller spines on the proximal half. The antennal article 1 with the distomesial spine almost reaching the distal margin of the article 2; the article 2 with well-developed distal spines of which the distomesial spine exceeding the end of the article 3 and the distolateral spine almost reaching the end of the article 3. The Mxp 3 ischium with a small distal spine on the flexor margin and a well-developed spine on the extensor margin; the merus longer than the ischium, the flexor margin with three subequal spines; the extensor margin with a small distal spine. The P 1 long, slender, roughly 4.7 × as long as carapace, with sparse spines; the palm 5.1 × as long as broad. The P 2 – 4 moderately slender, with short plumose and long iridescent setae.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCFFF9D6C797D619C15C38D.taxon	description	Description CARAPACE. 1.1 × as long as broad, with few secondary striae between main transverse ridges. Dorsal surface with transverse ridges bearing short non-iridescent setae and some scattered iridescent setae; 6 pairs of epigastric spines, longest pair posterior to supraocular spines, 2 median epigastric spines posterior to rostrum; 1 parahepatic, 1 branchial dorsal and 1 postcervical spine on each side. Frontal margins ridged, oblique. Lateral margins slightly convex; anterolateral spine well-developed, not reaching level of sinus between rostrum and supraocular spines; 2 – 3 spines anterior to end of cervical groove. Branchial margins with 5 spines. Rostrum spiniform, 0.5 × as long as carapace, dorsally carinated, ridged distally. Supraocular spines short, not reaching midlength of rostrum nor end of corneas, subparallel, directed slightly upwards. STERNUM. Sternite 3 as wide as anterior margin of sternite 4; anterior margin with two median lobes, separated by notch. Sternite 4 broadly triangular; anterior margin ridged, nearly transverse, narrowly contiguous to sternite 3. Sternites 4 and 5 with some striae on surface. Posterolateral margins of sternite 7 with granules on lateral parts. PLEON. Anterior transverse ridge of pleonite 2 with 9 spines; pleonites 2 – 3 each with 3 – 4 uninterrupted ridges on tergite behind anterior transverse ridge; pleonites 4 – 5 with 2 uninterrupted ridges and some short, interrupted ridges. Posteromedian margin of pleonite 6 straight. EYE. Ocular peduncles longer than broad, maximum corneal diameter 0.3 × distance between bases of anterolateral spines. ANTENNULE. Article 1 with 2 well-developed distal spines, distomesial slightly longer than distolateral; lateral margin with 2 spines, distal much longer than proximal, exceeding distolateral spine, and with much smaller spines below proximal spine. ANTENNA. Article 1 with distomesial spine almost reaching distal margin of article 2. Article 2 with well-developed distal spines, distomesial exceeding end of article 3, distolateral spine almost reaching end of article 3. Article 3 unarmed. MXP 3. Ischium with small distal spine on flexor margin and well-developed distal spine on extensor margin; lateral surface carinated, with some transverse striae. Merus longer than ischium, with transverse striae laterally; flexor margin with 3 subequal spines; extensor margin with small distal spine followed by several eminences. P 1. 4.7 × as long as carapace, with short plumose and few long iridescent setae along mesial margins of articles. Merus 1.7 × as long as carapace, 3.7 × as long as carpus, with rows of dorsal and mesial spines; distal spines somewhat well-developed, distomesial spine not reaching proximal third of carpus. Carpus 0.5 × as long as palm, 1.9 × as long as broad, with numerous spines on dorsal and mesial surfaces. Palm 5.1 × as long as broad, with rows of small dorsal and mesial spines. Fingers 1.4 × as long as palm; fixed finger with some distal spines, ending in curved strong claw; dactylus with some spines mesially on dorsal surface, ending in strong claw. P 2 – 4. Moderately long and slender, with short plumose and long iridescent setae on extensor margin of articles. P 2 2.5 × as long as carapace. Meri shorter posteriorly (P 3 merus 0.8 × as long as P 2 merus; P 4 merus 0.7 × as long as P 3 merus); P 2 merus 0.9 × as long as carapace, 6 × as long as broad, 1.3 × as long as P 2 propodus; P 3 merus 4.8 × as long as broad, 1.1 × as long as P 3 propodus; P 4 merus 3.6 × as long as broad, as long as P 4 propodus. P 2 – P 3 meri with row of 12 and 7 proximally diminishing spines on extensor margin, respectively; P 4 merus with only small distal spine on extensor margin; flexor margins with some distal spines followed by several eminences, distalmost spine strong; lateral surface unarmed. P 2 – 3 carpi with 5 spines on extensor margin, P 4 carpus with only distal spine on extensor margin; flexor margins each with distal spine; lateral surface with row of several short, granular ridges, sub-paralleling extensor margin. Propodi 4.2 – 4.5 × (P 3 – P 2) and 3.6 (P 4) × as long as broad; extensor margin unarmed; flexor margin with 9 – 10 slender, movable spines, distal spines paired. Dactyli slender, 0.7 × as long as propodi; flexor margin with 7 – 9 movable spinules, no spinule at base of unguis. South African distribution Northeast of St. Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, depth 100 – 120 m (Fig. 14).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCFFF9D6C797D619C15C38D.taxon	discussion	Remarks Trapezionida longisandla sp. nov. belongs to the group of species that has five spines on the branchial margins of the carapace, granules on the lateral parts of the thoracic sternite 7, and spines on the anterior transverse ridge of the pleonite 2. It is most closely related to T. limula from Madagascar, Mozambique and now South Africa (present study), but the two species differ in the P 1 length, shape and spination. The new species is considerably different from T. limula, as the P 1 is 4.7 × as long as the carapace in the new species, whereas it is only 3.9 × in T. limula. Moreover, the fingers and palm are especially slender in the new species, as the palm is 5.1 × as long as wide in the new species and only 2.9 × in T. limula. The P 1 of the new species is overall much less spinose than that of T. limula and possesses weaker spines on the mesial margin (see comparison for similar-sized male specimens provided in Fig. 10). Furthermore, the P 2 – 4 propodi are considerably slenderer in T. longisandla than T. limula. Lastly, the new species does not possess a spine on the mesial margin of antennal article 2, which is present in T. limula. The new species is also similar to T. euripa (Macpherson, Rodríguez-Flores & Machordom 2017) from Madagascar, but can be easily distinguished by several characters. The pleonites 2 – 3 have fewer transverse ridges in T. longisandla sp. nov. (three or four) than in T. euripa (eight). The branchial dorsal spine of the carapace is present in the new species, but it is absent in T. euripa. Moreover, the distomesial spine of the antennular article 1 is longer than the distolateral in T. longisandla sp. nov., but the two distal spines are subequal in T. euripa. The Mxp 3 merus has a distal spine on the extensor margin, but the spine is absent in T. euripa. The P 1 length, shape and spination also differ between the two species. The P 1 is 4.7 × as long as the carapace in the new species, but only 3.0 × in T. euripa, and the palm is considerably slenderer, 5.1 × as long as broad in the new species, compared to 2.5 × in T. euripa. The P 1 is overall much less spinose and possesses weaker spines on the mesial margin in the new species than in T. euripa. Unfortunately, no genetic data could be obtained for this new species as it was preserved in formalin.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCBFF9C6F747E679AF6C269.taxon	description	Fig. 14	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCBFF9C6F747E679AF6C269.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined SOUTH AFRICA • 1 ♀ (5.1 mm); Meiring Naude Stn XX 57; 31 ° 05 ′ 48 ″ S, 30 ° 18 ′ 48 ″ E; depth 140 m; 8 Jul. 1985; SAMC, SAMC-A 094549 • 1 ♂ (6.8 mm), 2 ov. ♀♀ (7.7 – 9.2 mm); SS Pieter Faure Stn 196; 30 ° 10 ′ 20.64 ″ S, 30 ° 50 ′ 8.52 ″ E; depth 168 m; 7 Mar. 1901; SAMC, SAMC-A 0900.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCBFF9C6F747E679AF6C269.taxon	description	Variation The South African material examined has a small distolateral spine on antennal article 3. Colouration According to Macpherson et al. (2017), carapace and pleon orange with some red patches; rostrum and supraocular spines orange; P 1 mostly orange with some reddish bands, fingers orange with several white and red spots; P 2 – 4 mostly orange, with reddish transverse bands. General distribution Mozambique, depth 112 – 357 m, and now South Africa. South African distribution Port Edward to Aliwal Shoal, depth 140 – 168 m (Fig. 14).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCBFF9C6F747E679AF6C269.taxon	discussion	Remarks Some of the material deposited in the Natural History Collections of the Iziko South African Museum was previously identified as Trapezionida semoni by Barnard (1950) and Kensley (1981), but is in fact T. mesembria, based on the pleonite 2 lacking spines, which are present on T. semoni. The South African material represents a small range extension for this recently described species from Mozambique. The material agrees quite well with the original description of T. mesembria, except for the presence of a small distolateral spine on the antennal article 3. Unfortunately, molecular analyses were not possible as the specimens were too old and were originally fixed in formalin.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCAFFA36C2A7C049BC8C390.taxon	description	Figs 14, 15 D, Table 1	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCAFFA36C2A7C049BC8C390.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined SOUTH AFRICA • 1 ♀ (4.9 mm); Meiring Naude Stn ZB 19; 27 ° 00 ′ 42.00 ″ S, 32 ° 55 ′ 12.00 ″ E; depth 70 m; 6 Jun. 1990; SAMC, SAMC-A 094569 • 1 ov. ♀ (7.3 mm); Meiring Naude Stn K 13; 31 ° 56 ′ 06.00 ″ S, 29 ° 26 ′ 30.00 ″ E; depth 410 – 430 m; 20 Jul. 1982; SAMC, SAMC-A 094766 • 1 ♀ (12.7 mm); Meiring Naude Stn K 10; 31 ° 50 ′ 42.00 ″ S, 29 ° 28 ′ 30.00 ″ E; depth 150 – 160 m; 20 Jul. 1982; SAMC, SAMC-A 094570 • 2 ♂♂ (8.7 – 12.2 mm), 2 ♀♀ (9.5 – 11.3 mm); Nansen Trawl Stn 3; 30 ° 18 ′ 0.00 ″ S, 30 ° 54 ′ 36.00 ″ E; depth 226 m; 29 Jan. 2018; SAMC, SAMC-A 094757.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCAFFA36C2A7C049BC8C390.taxon	description	Colouration (in life, Fig. 15 D) Carapace and pleonites 2 – 4 orange-reddish; pleonites 5 – 6 light orange with white spots; tailfan orangewhitish; rostrum and supraocular spines orange, rostrum distally white; P 1 orange with numerous white spines; P 2 – 4 orange with white spines, distal region of propodus and dactyli whitish. General distribution Mozambique, Seychelles Islands, depth 200 – 277 m, and now South Africa. South African distribution Coffee Bay to Kosi Bay, depth 70 – 430 m (Fig. 14). Genetic data COI, see Table 1.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFCAFFA36C2A7C049BC8C390.taxon	discussion	Remarks This species was first described from the Seychelles Islands and later reported from Mozambique by Macpherson et al. (2017). These current records thus represent a small range extension into South African waters. This species was collected from habitat with coarse sand and reef gravel together with several potential Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) species, such as Balanophyllia Wood, 1844 cup corals, Narella Gray, 1870 sp., Thouarella Gray, 1870 sp., and> 100 kg of several sponge species (pers. com. K. Sink). Also, included in the sample were the hermit crabs Dardanus arrosor (Herbst, 1976) and Paguropsis confusa Lemaitre, Rahayu & Komai, 2018. The South African material has a 0.0 – 0.2 % (COI) divergence from Mozambican T. nesiotes material, and the other closest congener from the region is T. euripa at 21.5 – 21.8 % divergence.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFF5FFA26FD67E7C9AC4C2F4.taxon	description	Fig. 14	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFF5FFA26FD67E7C9AC4C2F4.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined MOZAMBIQUE • 1 ♂ (8.7 mm); UCT Ecological Survey Stn 6 X; 34 ° 46 ′ 00.00 ″ S, 35 ° 18 ′ 00.00 ″ E; depth 110 m; 18 Aug. 1964; SAMC, SAMC-A 094541. Colouration Carapace, pleonites and appendages ground colour pale, ridges orange / reddish, P 2 – 4 with some reddish transverse bands. Rostrum and supraocular spines orange. Tailfan whitish. General distribution Indonesia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Zanzibar and South Africa, depth 90 – 366 m. South African distribution Off Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, depth 138 m (Fig. 14).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFF5FFA26FD67E7C9AC4C2F4.taxon	discussion	Remarks This species was previously thought to be Trapezionida japonica (Tirmizi & Javed, 1993). However, Baba (2005) questioned the validity of this identification (as well as other close relatives). It is well known that T. japonica has been misidentified several times in the past and forms part of a species complex including T. sphinx, T. eudora and T. limula (see Macpherson & Baba 1993). The original specimen of T. japonica from South Africa could not be examined, as the material was never deposited in the Smithsonian Museum, as stated by Tirmizi & Javed (1993). The examination of a Mozambican specimen identified as T. sphinx provided more insight on the T. japonica complex, as some specimens of T. japonica have previously been synonymised with T. sphinx (Baba, 2005). It is thus highly likely that the specimen of Tirmizi & Javed (1993) from South Africa is in fact T. sphinx. However, new South African material is required to confirm this. This species was collected from the same sampling event as Galathea cf. pubescens and Phylladiorhynchus cf. janiqueae.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFF4FFA16FA27D4C98FEC39A.taxon	description	Figs 11 – 12	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFF4FFA16FA27D4C98FEC39A.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined SOUTH AFRICA • 1 ov. ♀ (6.2 mm); Meiring Naude Stn SM 129; 30 ° 53 ′ 00.00 ″ S, 30 ° 31 ′ 00.00 ″ E; depth 850 m; 11 May 1977; SAMC, SAMC-A 016046.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFF4FFA16FA27D4C98FEC39A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis The carapace with three pairs of epigastric spines of which the longest pair behind the supraocular spines. The frontal margins transverse. The branchial margins with five spines. The rostrum spiniform, less than half the length of the remaining carapace, with small, lateral eminences on the distal half and some short carinae dorsally, slightly curved upwards. The surface of the thoracic sternite 7 smooth. The anterior transverse ridge of the pleonite 2 with four spines, two median and two lateral; the pleonites 3 – 6 unarmed. The antennular article 1 with two distal spines of which the distomesial spine minute and the distolateral well-developed; two lateral spines of which the distal spine much longer than the proximal, overreaching the distolateral spine. The antennal article 1 with a distomesial spine almost reaching the distal margin of the article 2; the article 2 with a distomesial spine almost reaching the distal margin of the article 3 and a small distolateral spine, not reaching the midlength of the article 3; the article 3 with a distinct distomesial spine. The Mxp 3 ischium with small distal spines on both the flexor and extensor margin; the merus shorter than the ischium, with two spines on the flexor margin of which the proximal larger than the distal, the extensor margin distally unarmed. The P 1 – 4 covered with short plumose and some long, non-iridescent setae. Global distribution Northwest Australia and South Africa South African distribution East of Margate, KwaZulu-Natal, depth 850 m (Fig. 12).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
94415A55FFF4FFA16FA27D4C98FEC39A.taxon	discussion	Remarks This is the first record of the genus Typhlonida in South African waters. The specimen examined closely resembles T. galalala (McCallum, Ahyong & Andreakis, 2021) known only by the holotype, with some minor differences (hence it is listed herein as aff.). These differences include the absence of distinct spines on the extensor margin of the P 4 merus (the spines are present in the holotype of T. galalala) and the transverse frontal margin of the carapace (the margin is oblique in the holotype of T. galalala), as well as a stouter P 1 compared to that of T. galalala, though the difference in P 1 may be due to different sex of the two specimens. Despite these differences, we consider these are insufficient to warrant erection of a new species and treat it more prudent to assign the present specimen as T. aff galalala pending collection of more material to confirm the identification. We note that species in the genus Typhlonida can exhibit a great deal of variation, making identifications difficult. The specimen examined can also be differentiated from T. typhle (Macpherson, 1994) by having a distomesial spine on the antennal article 3, which is absent in T. typhle. The P 2 – 4 dactyli are clearly shorter than the propodi in the present specimen, while they are only slightly shorter than the propodi in T. typhle. Moreover, the Mxp 3 flexor margin has two spines in the present specimen, while it possesses only one spine in T. typhle. Lastly, the distal spine on the lateral margin of the antennular article 1 exceeds the distolateral spine in the specimen examined, whereas it does not reach the distolateral spine in T. typhle. Unfortunately, no genetic data could be obtained for this specimen as it was preserved in formalin after collection by dredge.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2026): Additions and revisions to the family Munididae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) from South Africa, with description of a new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 1043: 199-243, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3219, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3219/14267
