taxonID	type	description	language	source
03AACA4C4A456D7355F90873F0A5FBB0.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Mauritius Material examined. PERSIAN GULF, Iran: 1 male (SMF 38394), Basaeedu, Qeshm I., 26 º 36 ' N, 55 º 16 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 07.05.2008; 2 males, 1 female (SMF 38395), Zeytun (olive) park beach, Qeshm I., 27 º 11 ' N, 56 º 24 ' E, coll. A. Sari, M. Türkay & R. Naderloo, 0 8.01.2008. UAE: 3 males (SMF 37384) Lullayyah Harbour, Sharjah, 25 º 23 ' N, 56 º 22 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 27.06.1995; 1 female (SMF 37385), N. coast of Ash Sham, Ras Al-Khaymah, 26 º 02 ' N, 55 º 02 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 10.07.1995. Saudi Arabia: 1 male, 1 female (SNMNH 156), Ash Sharghiyah, Karan I., 27 º 43 ' N, 49 º 49 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 17.07.1992; 1 male, 1 female (SNMNH 157), Ash Sharghiyah, Karan I., 27 º 43 ' N, 49 º 49 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 20.05.1995; 2 males, 1 female (SNMNH 158), Ash Sharghiyah, Karan I., 27 º 43 ' N, 49 º 49 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 17.07.1992. GULF OF OMAN, Iran: 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1130), rocky shore, Gwadr, Baluchestan, 25 ° 08 ' N, 61 ° 27 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Sari, 19.11.2005; 1 male, 1 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1179), rocky shore, Pasabandar, Baluchestan, 25 ° 04 ' N, 61 ° 24 ' E, coll. A. Sari & R. Naderloo, 18.11.2005; 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1132), rocky shore, Bandar- Ramin, Baluchestan, 25 ° 16 ' N, 60 ° 44 ' E, coll. A. Sari & R. Naderloo, 18.11.2005; 2 males (ZUTC Brach 1135), rocky shore, Hotel Lipar, Chabahar, Baluchestan, 25 ° 19 ' N, 60 ° 37 ' E, coll. A. Sari & R. Naderloo, 17.11.2005; 1 female (ZUTC Barch 1175), rocky / cobble, Portuguese castle, Chabahar, Baluchestan, 25 º 16 ' N, 60 º 37 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 17.11.2005; 4 males (juv.) (ZUTC Brach 1177), rocky shore, Chabahar, Baluchestan, 25 ° 16 ' N, 60 ° 40 ' E, coll. A. Sari & R. Naderloo, 17.11.2005; 1 male, 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1133), sandy / rocky, shrimp aquaculture station of Gorgij, Bandar-Jask, Hormozgan, coll. A. Sari & R. Naderloo, 16.11.2005; 2 males (ZUTC Brach 1134), sandy / rocky, fishery jetty, Sorgolm village, Bandar-Jask, Hormozgan, 25 º 35 ' N, 58 º 02 ' E, coll. A. Sari & R. Naderloo, 21.11.2005; 1 male, 1 female, 1 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1157) rocky shore, Yekdar village, Bandar-Jask, Hormozgan, 25 ° 33 ' N, 58 ° 15 ' E, coll. A. Sari & R. Naderloo, 21.11.2005.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A456D7355F90873F0A5FBB0.taxon	description	Redescription. Carapace subcircular (Figs. 1 a, 5 a), slightly broader than long, about 1.1 times as broad as long, maximum breadth across middle part of carapace; carapace weakly convex; regions defined with shallow grooves; lateral regions with numerous curved ridges, getting longer posteriorly; transverse ridge along posterior region, parallel to posterior margin; short ridges on anterior half portion of carapace. Lateral margin of carapace remarkably arched (nearly straight in small specimens); 2 anterolateral teeth (including exorbital tooth), sharply triangular, separated by V-shaped notch; shallow groove extending obliquely from this notch towards cardiac region. Frontal region gently flexed downwards; 4 - lobed, median 2 slightly larger than lateral 2; large tubercles on lobes, tubercles smaller posteriorly, large tubercles behind lateral lobes, small tubercles between frontal lobes, frontal edge; frontal ridge slightly wider than posterior margin of carapace, finely crenulated, nearly straight, slightly concave medially, with lateral angle rounded. Orbits deep, U-shaped notch on supraorbital margin, separating inner from lateral part; granular elevation behind notch; outer part slightly granular. Infraorbital margin with inner angle acutely triangular; middle portion finely granular, with relatively large denticles on outer part, separated from outer angle by deep U-shaped notch; outer angle triangle with relatively large tooth on inner surface. Eyestalks short, proximal part wide, with granules on anterior face. Antennae remarkably short, flagellum not reaching to cornea. Third maxilliped (Fig. 1 c) with ischium slightly longer than merus, 2 large spines on proximal part of inner margin of ischium, concealed by dense setae. Chelipeds subequal, in comparison to walking legs relatively small, ischium with 3 or 4 spine-shaped teeth on anterior margin. Merus with spine-shaped teeth on anterior margin, normally larger distally; lower posterior margin granulate, granules dentiform distally; upper posterior margin serrate; outer surface with transverse ridges. Carpus with strong tooth on inner margin, granular on outer surface. Manus (Fig. 1 b) with 2 long ridges on lower portion of outer surface; lower one longer, extending from tip of immovable finger to near articulation with carpus; upper margin with large granules, distal one long, tooth-shaped; lower margin with long ridges, becoming round tubercles distally to base of immovable finger; inner surface smooth in middle, transverse ridges on upper part, tubercles proximally on lower portion. Movable finger with large tubercles proximally on upper margin; cutting edge with remarkably large, round tooth on proximal part; cutting edge of immovable finger with 3 similar teeth on proximal part, short setae along inner surface of teeth; black tip of fingers not spoon-shaped. Walking legs relatively strong, flattened. Merus relatively large; posterior surface with transverse ridges; anterior margin serrated, with subdistal spine; small spine between subdistal spines, distal notch of merus in third walking leg; 4 spines on posterodistal lobe, becoming smaller distally. Carpus with 2 carinae on posterior surface, anterior carina more prominent, short plumose setae along posterior one; anterior surface with inconspicuous carina. Propodus with strong, retractile bristle along anterior, posterior margins; plumose setae on posterior surface; one posterodistal spine; distal lobe with supplementary tooth. Dactylus with 2 rows of 6 spines along anterior margin; 2 rows of 4 or 5 spines along posterior margin; dactylus ending with large spine. Male abdomen (Fig. 1 d) triangular; fifth somite longest, about 2.3 times as broad as long, sixth with lateral margin converging distally; telson clearly triangular. G 1 (Fig. 1 e) remarkably stout, nearly straight; outer margin concave; inner margin convex, posterior surface proximally elevated in middle part; apical chitinous process (Fig. 1 f) small, directed outwards; gonopore terminal; long setae around apical part, obscuring chitinous process. Female gonopore (Fig. 1 g) with elevated finger-like operculum, directed obliquely forward.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A456D7355F90873F0A5FBB0.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Grapsus albolineatus has been referred to Lamarck (1818), but Ng et al. (2008) noted that the correct authority should be Latreille, in Milbert (1812). Holthuis (1977) has discussed the validity of this name in detail.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A456D7355F90873F0A5FBB0.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Grapsus albolineatus is a relatively large-size species (largest male CL = 50.27 mm, CB = 54.77 mm, largest female CL = 59.14 mm, CB = 63.80 mm) and is the most common species on exposed rocky shores in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, where it is present in large populations on the high rocky intertidal. This species is sympatric with Metopograpsus messor in sheltered rocky shores in the Persian Gulf and in some locations it is replaced by the latter. Grapsus albolineatus is typical of exposed rocky shores and is normally seen foraging on algae, disappearing into crevices if disturbed. Colour. Brownish red (Fig. 4 a), sometimes bluish carapace, walking legs light red or orange, ventral side light, mottled with reddish orange, anterior surface of the palms light. The colour pattern was described in detail by Banerjee (1960). Regional records. PERSIAN GULF: UAE [Titgen (1982) from Dubai; Apel (2001) from Abu Dhabi and Ras al-Khaimah], Saudi Arabia (Apel 2001), Iran [Stephensen (1945) as Grapsus maculatus subsp. tenuicrustatus; Pretzmann (1971) as Grapsus tenuicrustatus; present study]. GULF OF OMAN: Iran [Stephensen (1945) as Grapsus maculatus subsp. tenuicrustatus; present study], UAE (Apel 2001). Geographical distribution. Indo-West Pacific: Mauritius, Somalia, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Socotra, Oman, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Pakistan, Arabian Sea coast of India, Sri Lanka, Bay of Bengal, Andaman Islands, Nicobar Islands, Mergui Archipelago, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Japan, Australia, Hawaii.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A406D7255F909FFF0E9F880.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Red Sea. Material examined. PERSIAN GULF, Iran: 1 male, 2 juv. (SMF 38442), rocky / boulders with dead corals, Zeytun park beach, Qeshm I., 27 º 11 ' N, 56 º 24 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & M. Türkay, 08.01.2008; 1 female (ovig.) (SMF 38443), sandy / cobble, Dustku, Qeshm I., 26 º 31 ' N, 55 º 21 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 0 7.05.2008. Saudi Arabia: 1 male (SNMNH 158), Ash Sharghiyah, Karan I., 27 º 43 ' N, 49 º 49 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 20.05.1995; 1 male (SMF 37392), Ash Sharghiyah, Karan I., 27 º 43 ' N, 49 º 49 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 17.07.1992; 1 male, 1 female (SMF 37390), Ash Sharghiyah, Karan I., 27 º 43 ' N, 49 º 49 ' E, 20.05.1995. UAE: 1 male (SMF 37391), Lulayyah Harbour, Sharjah, 25 º 23 ' N, 56 º 22 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 27.06.1995. GULF OF OMAN, Iran: 1 male (ZUTC Brach 1183), rocky bed, Djod village, Baluchestan, 25 º 17 ' N, 59 º 30 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 25.10.2006; 2 males (ZUTC Brach 1133), rocky / sandy, Ramin, Baluchestan, 25 º 16 ' N, 60 º 44 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 18.11.2005. UAE: 2 males, 1 juv. (SMF 37390), Sandy Beach Hotel, 15 km N. of Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, 25 º 30 ' N, 56 º 22 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 23.06.1995.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A406D7255F909FFF0E9F880.taxon	description	Redescription. Carapace nearly quadrate (Figs. 2 a, 5 c), slightly broader than long, weekly convex; regions well defined; lateral regions of carapace with numerous curved ridges, ridges longer posteriorly, short ridges over central regions, one transverse ridge parallel to posterior margin. Lateral margin of carapace smooth, nearly straight, gently converging posteriorly; 2 anterolateral teeth (including exorbital tooth), sharp triangle, separated by relatively wide V-shaped notch; shallow groove extending obliquely from this notch towards cardiac region. Frontal region with 4 granular lobes; frontal region gently flexed downwards; frontal ridge sinuous-shaped, weekly 2 - lobed. Orbits with supraorbital margin smooth, curved medially, V-shaped notch separated inner part from lateral part; one granular elevation behind this notch; inferorbital margin with inner angle elongated triangular; middle portion finely granular, separated from outer angle by deep U-shaped notch; outer angle with elevated granular process on inner surface. Third maxilliped (Fig. 2 d) with ischium remarkably longer than merus, about 1.4 times as long as merus; inner margin granular, with large spine, smaller one on proximal portion, concealed with dense setae; merus with small tooth on distal part of inner margin. Chelipeds nearly equal, relatively small compared to walking legs. Ischium with 3 or 4 spines on anterior margin. Merus with spine-shaped teeth on anterior margin; lower posterior margin granular, granules tooth-shaped distally; upper posterior margin serrate; outer surface with transverse ridges. Carpus with strong spine on inner margin; outer surface with dispersed low granules. Manus (Fig. 2 c) with 2 long ridges on lower portion of outer surface, lower one longer, extending from tip of immovable finger to near articulation with carpus; large granules on upper margin, distal one longest, tooth-shaped; lower margin with long transverse ridges; inner surface with transverse ridges. Movable finger with large tubercles proximally on upper surface; cutting edges of fingers proximally with large gap between them; teeth of different sizes on movable finger; cutting edge of immovable finger with 2 large teeth on middle part; short setae along inner surface of teeth; brown tip of fingers not spoon-shaped. Walking legs relatively long, with third leg longest (Fig. 2 b). Merus large, anterior margin slightly serrate, with subdistal spine, distal portion notched, small spine between subdistal spine, distal notch; posterior margin smooth, 4 spines on posterodistal lobe, smaller distally; posterior surface with transverse ridges. Carpus with 2 carinae on posterior surface, anterior one more prominent, posterior one with fine, plumose setae along it. Propodus of third leg (Fig. 2 b) about 3.3 times as long as broad, slightly longer than carpus; posterior margin with distal spine, distal lobe with small spiniform tooth on posterior portion; row of plumose setae along posterior surface near anterior margin, in fourth walking legs near posterior margin. Dactylus with 2 rows of 6 spines along anterior margin, 2 rows of 4 or 5 spines on posterior margin; dactylus ending with large spine. Male abdomen (Fig. 2 e) broadly triangular, fifth somite longest, about 2.8 times as broad as long; sixth converging distally, telson relatively elongately triangular, longer than sixth somite. G 1 stout (Fig. 2 f), relatively straight, flatted proximally, getting swollen distally; short setae densely on apical portion; apical chitinous process (Fig. 2 g) small, flat, triangular, directed outward.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A406D7255F909FFF0E9F880.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Grapsus granulosus H. Milne-Edwards, 1853, has often been considered to be a junior synonym of Grapsus albolineatus (e. g., Alcock 1900; Banerjee 1960; Davie 2002), but Crosnier (1965), Vannini & Valmori (1981), Zaouali et al. (2007) and Ng et al. (2008) have argued that it is a distinct species. This species is distinguishable from its closely related congener, G. albolineatus, by using a combination of characters (see Table 1).	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A406D7255F909FFF0E9F880.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Grapsus granulosus is a medium-size species (largest male CL = 19.71 mm, CB = 21.49 mm, largest female CL = 21.11 mm, CB = 23.49 mm). It is essentially a rocky shore species found in mid-intertidal. Grapsus granulosus is not as common as the G. albolineatus. Colour. The upper surface of carapace and legs has a background of light greenish grey mottled with brown spots, which are dark brown on the frontal region of the carapace. The walking legs have dark and thick transverse bands. The ventral surface of the carapace is white with light reddish brown patches on the anterior part. The cheliped in frontal view is white, with pale violet on the proximal and upper surface of the palm. Regional records. PERSIAN GULF: Saudi Arabia (Apel 2001), UAE (Apel 2001), Iran (present study); GULF OF OMAN: UAE (Apel 2001), Iran (present study). Geographical distribution. Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and recently entered south Mediterranean Sea from Red Sea through Suez Canal (Zaouali et al. 2007).	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A436D7D55F90EF1F70DFC47.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Red Sea Material examined. PERSIAN GULF, Iran: 1 male, 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1141), rocky / sandy, Golestan village, Bushehr, 27 º 14 ' N, 51 º 16 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 13.04.2006; 1 male (ZUTC Brach 1142), sandy mud-flat, Khor, Bandar-Rig, Bushehr, 29 º 28 ' N, 50 º 37 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 13.04.2006; 5 males, 4 females, 1 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1143), sandy shore with patchy stones, Bandargah, Bushehr, 28 º 49 ' N, 50 º 54 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 13.04.2006; 2 females (ZUTC Brach 1144), sandy mud-flat, Shah Abdollah, Khuzestan, 30 º 10 ' N, 50 º 05 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 14.04.2006; 4 males, 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1145), sandy shore with patchy stones, Bandargah, Bushehr, 28 º 49 ' N, 50 º 54 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 13.04.2006; 3 males, 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1155), rocky / cobble, Bustaneh, Bandar-Lengeh, Hormozgan, 29 º 30 ' N, 54 º 39 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 02.06.2006; 2 males, 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1156), rocky shore, 20 km E. of Bandar-Kong, Hormozgan, coll. R. Naderloo, 02.06.2006; 2 males, 4 females, 21 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1158), mangroves, Khalij-Nayband, Bushehr, 27 º 38 ' N, 52 º 65 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 05.06.2005; 1 male (ZUTC Brach 1159), mangroves, Bandar-Khamir, Hormozgan, 26 º 28 ' N, 55 º 35 ' E, coll. 31.12.2005, R. Naderloo; 3 males, 3 females, 2 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1196), sandy / rocky, Chah-Shur, Bushehr, 29 º 40 ' N, 50 º 23 ' E, coll. 14.04.2006, R. Naderloo; 1 male, 1 female, 3 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1197), rocky bed with dead coral covered with algae, Bandar-Dayyer, Bushehr, 27 º 14 ' N, 51 º 16 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 12.04.2006; 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1198), sandy beach, Bandar-Mogham, Hormozgan, 26 º 58 ' N, 53 º 28 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 11.04.2006; 1 male (ZUTC Brach 1199), sandy beach, under the stones of the stone-wall jetty, Bandar-Deylam, Bushehr, 30 º 03 ' N, 49 º 46 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 15.04.2006; 1 male, 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1202), muddy-sand, Bordekhon-Kohne, Bushehr, 27 º 59 ' N, 51 º 22 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 11.04.2006; 3 males, 3 females (SMF 38455), mangroves behind airport, Bandar-Abbas, 27 º 11 ' N, 56 º 24 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 0 7.01.2008. Saudi Arabia: 1 female (SNMNH 162), rocky shore, Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, N. of Al-Jubail, Jubail, 27 º 25 ' N, 49 º 13 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 14.03.1993; 3 males, 1 female (SNMHN 165), Ash Sharqiyah, 27 º 43 ' N, 49 º 49 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 19.11.1991; 5 males, 2 females (SMF 37418), Ash Sharqiyah, N. of Jubail, coll. M. Apel, 28.11. 1991. UAE: 6 males, 5 females (SMF 37387), mangroves, SE. of the city, Abu Dhabi, 24 º 26 ' N, 54 º 25 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 19.06.1995; 4 males, 3 females, 2 juv. (SMF 37386), mangroves, southern head of Merawwah, Abu Dhabi, 24 º 16 ' N, 53 º 18 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 19.06.1995. GULF OF OMAN, Iran: 6 males, 3 females (ZUTC Brach 1161), mangroves, Khor-Khalasi, Jask, Hormozgan, 25 º 35 ' N, 58 º 02 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 21.11.2005; 2 males, 1 female, 2 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1165), mud flat behind mangroves, Khor-Khalasi, Jask, Hormozgan, 25 º 35 ' N, 58 º 02 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 26.10.2006; 8 males, 4 females, 2 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1166), mangroves, Khor-Khalasi, Jask, Hormozgan, 25 º 35 ' N, 58 º 02 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 26.10.2006.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A436D7D55F90EF1F70DFC47.taxon	description	Redescription. Carapace (Figs. 3 a, 4 c) about 1.3 times as broad as long, maximum breadth slightly behind exorbital angles, posterior surface nearly flat, slightly convex; carapace regions poorly defined, lineal depression between gastric, cardiac region; cardiac, intestinal regions slightly defined by shallow depression; lateral region with 11 curved ridges, third, last ones longer than others, some short ridges behind frontal lobes; frontal region strongly flexed downwards; 4 - lobed, median 2 smaller than lateral 2, moderately granular on anterior margin; frontal edge about 0.62 times as broad as carapace, distinctly longer than posterior edge of carapace, weekly 2 - lobed. Supraorbital margin smooth, slightly oblique; infraorbital margin (Fig. 3 b) with denticles relatively large, irregular on medial portion; outer portion oblique, smooth, separated from exorbital tooth by semicircular notch; inner angle with raised keel. Lateral margin without tooth (except of exorbital angle), behind exorbital angle straight or slightly convex, slightly divergent posteriorly. Chelipeds subequal. Ischium of large cheliped with 2 sharp teeth on anterior margin, those of small cheliped with 3 or 4 small denticles. Anterior margin of merus with 3 blunt teeth on proximal and 4 sharp triangular teeth on distal part; posterior surface with transverse, smooth ridges. Carpus with spine-shaped tooth distally on inner margin, with 2 small supplementary tubercles; posterior surface with transverse ridges and scattered granules. Outer surface of manus (Fig. 3 c) smooth over most part, with microscopic granules, some oblique ridges on lower proximal portion, longitudinal, finely granular ridge along lower portion, scattered granules on upper surface, small tubercles along inferior margin; inner surface with oblique ridges on proximal part. Fingers smooth, curved inwards, some small denticles along upper margin of movable finger, denticles smaller distally; cutting edges with moderate gap in proximal half portion; prominently triangular tooth on median part of cutting edge of unmovable finger. Walking legs (Fig. 3 d), flattened, second, third legs longer than first, fourth. Merus with anterior border serrated, with subdistal spine; posterior distal part with 4 spines, becoming smaller distally; posterior surface with transverse ridges, less extensive on merus of last legs. Propodus with black bristles along anterior, posterior borders, 2 large spines on posterior distal part; dactylus with 6 spines along anterior, 4 spines along posterior margin; scattered black bristles along anterior, posterior margins. Male abdomen (Fig. 3 e) with second somite remarkably narrow, third slightly longer than fourth; fifth, sixth about in same length; lateral margin of sixth somite evenly convergent distally, telson about 1.7 times as long as sixth somite. G 1 (Fig. 3 f) stout, sperm canal spiral; apical chitinous process short, curved sharply outwards; long setae around apical portion, completely covered apical process; long setae over posterior proximal surface, in particular on lateral margin. Female gonopore (Fig. 3 g) on anterior edge of fifth sternite; with operculum remarkably elevated, wide in proximal part, becoming sharply narrower distally.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A436D7D55F90EF1F70DFC47.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species had long been regarded as widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific (Holthuis 1977). Tweedie (1949) examined it from different regions and found that they belong to several different species. He identified records from the Western Indian Ocean including Red Sea (type locality), east African Coast, Madagascar, Persian Gulf and Andamans to M. messor. Tweedie (1949), Banerjee (1960), Forest & Guinot (1961), Crosnier (1965) and Holthuis (1977) have since provided detailed descriptions and illustrations of the species. Holthuis (1977) discussed at length the identity of the type material of M. messor and noted that Forskål (1775) in his original description of the species most probably included another species, Grapsus granulosus H. Milne-Edwards, 1853, which may have caused confusion for subsequent workers. Since Forskål’s (1775) material is lost, in order to resolve this problem, Holthuis (1977) selected a neotype male from the Sinai Peninsula in the northern Red Sea, which is deposited in the National Museum of Natural History, Leiden (Crust D. 30637). Castro (2011) mentioned that the records of this species from the Hawaiian Islands belong to M. thukuhar. Metopograpsus messor restricted to the Western Indian Ocean Castro (2011).	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A436D7D55F90EF1F70DFC47.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Metopograpsus messor is a medium-size species (largest male CL = 25.45 mm, CB = 32.74 mm, largest female CL = 23.77 mm, CB = 30.08 mm) that is common in the Persian Gulf, occurring in a variety of habitats including muddy substrates, rocky shores and mangroves. It is found in the high-intertidal zone on rocky shores, where it is sympatric with G. albolineatus at its highest limit, and it extends normally downward to the mid-intertidal zone. This herbivorous species prefers mainly rocks covered with thin layer of filamentous algae and it is always seen foraging on algae. Individuals disappear into the rock crevices if disturbed. It is also common amongst stones of any rocky structure in the intertidal region, such as stony jetties found in most coastal cities along the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf. Metopograpsus messor is typical of mangroves in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, where it is usually sympatric with Parasesarma persicum. Adults mainly occur amongst trees, while juveniles usually predominate in the pneumatophores zone. Sudha & Anikumar (1996) studied the growth and reproduction rate of M. messor in the Muzhupilangad estuary in south India. According to their findings, the smallest female adults measured up to 13 mm of CB. Three different phases were identified by Sudha & Anikumar (1996): growth-reproductive period (January-May), inactive period (June-July), which is the monsoon period in that part of the Indian Ocean, and reproductive period (August-December). Colour. Posterior surface of the carapace greenish gray mottled with dark brown spots and small dots. In some specimens, anterior third of the carapace is fully covered with dark sports. Walking legs are dark gray with scattered small brownish spots. The chelipeds are brownish red in outer surface, inner surface is bright gray. Tip of the fingers is light. A more detailed description was provided by Holthuis (1977). Regional records. PERSIAN GULF: UAE (Titgen 1982; Al-Ghais & Cooper 1996; Cooper 1997; Hornby 1997), Bahrain (Nobili 1906 a; Stephensen 1945; Vousden 1987), Qatar (Al-Khayat & Jones 1999), Saudi Arabia (Basson et al. 1977; Apel 1994 a, 1996), Kuwait (Jones 1986), Iran (Stephensen 1945; Hosseini 2009). GULF OF OMAN: UAE (Apel 2001), Iran (present study). Geographical distribution. Indian Ocean: Madagascar, East Africa, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Pakistan, Arabian Sea coast of India, Andaman Islands.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A4E6D7A55F90933F154F82B.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Hawaiian Islands. Material examined. PERSIAN GULF, Iran: 1 male (ZUTC Brach 1137), under decayed wood, mangroves, Bandar- Khamir, Hormozgan, 26 º 28 ' N, 55 º 35 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 29.12.2005; 1 male, 3 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1201), rocky shore, east of Kong Harbour, Hormozgan, coll. R. Naderloo, 02.01.2006; 1 male (SMF 38444), mangroves, S. coast, Qeshm I., 26 º 43 ' N, 55 º 49 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & M. Türkay, 09.01.2008; 1 male, 1 female (SMF 38445), muddy-sand, Tula, Qeshm I., 26 º 59 ' N, 56 º 12 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & M. Türkay, 13.01.2008. UAE: 1 male (SMF 97394), sandy-mud, Um Al-Qaiwain, 25 º 35 ' N, 55 º 34 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 09.07.1995; 1 male, 1 female (3 ovig.) (SMF 973953), mangroves, Khor, Ras Al- Khaymah, 25 º 46 ' N, 55 º 58 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 10.07.1995; 1 male, 2 females (SMF 97396), rocky intertidal, Abu Dhabi, 24 º 55 ' N, 52 º 51 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 17.07.1995. GULF OF OMAN, Iran: 1 male, 7 females (ZUTC Brach 1146), mangroves, Khor-Khalasi, Jask, Horzmozgan, 25 º 35 ' N, 58 º 02 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 21.11.2005; 2 males, 14 females, 2 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1182), mangroves, Khor-Khalasi, Jask, Hormozgan, 25 º 35 ' N, 58 º 02 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 21.11.2005; 1 male (ZUTC Brach 1162), mangroves, Khor-Khalasi, Jask, Hormozgan, 25 º 35 ' N, 58 º 02 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 21.11.2005. UAE: 2 males, 4 females (3 ovig.) (SMF 37393), mangroves, Fujairah, Khor Kalba, 25 º 01 ' N, 56 º 21 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 0 1.07.1995.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A4E6D7A55F90933F154F82B.taxon	description	Redescription. Carapace (Figs. 4 a, 5 f) about 1.25 as broad as long, maximum breadth slightly behind exorbital angles, slightly convex; carapace regions poorly defined, lineal depression between gastric and cardiac region; cardiac, intestinal regions faintly defined by depression; lateral region with 10 curved ridges, second, last ones longer than others, short ridges behind frontal lobes. Frontal region with 4 lobes, median 2 slightly smaller than lateral 2, moderately granular on anterior margin; frontal region deflexed downwards, frontal edge about 0.58 times as broad as carapace, slightly longer than posterior edge of carapace. Supraorbital margin smooth, nearly sinuous. Infraorbital margin (Fig. 4 b) with denticles on medial portion, relatively large, irregular; outer portion oblique, smooth, separated from exorbital angle by deep U-shaped notch; inner angle broadly triangular, with faint ridge on medial part. Lateral margin without tooth (except of exorbital angle), behind exorbital angle straight, then getting convergent, from medial part getting again divergent, making lateral margin slightly concave (Fig. 4 a). Chelipeds subequal. Ischium of large cheliped with 2 sharp teeth on anterior margin, that of small cheliped with 3 or 4 small sharp teeth. Anterior margin of merus with 3 blunt teeth on proximal part, 4 sharp triangular teeth on distal part; posterior surface with smooth transverse ridges. Carpus with spine-shaped tooth distally on inner margin, with small supplementary tubercles around large tooth; posterior surface with transverse ridges, small granules scattered on it. Manus with outer surface (Fig. 4 c) smooth over most part, with microscopic granules, some oblique ridges on lower proximal portion; longitudinal, finely granular ridges along lower portion; upper margin with large granules; lower margin with small tubercles; inner surface with oblique ridges on proximal part. Fingers smooth, curved inwards distally; small denticles along upper margin of movable finger, smaller distally; cutting edges with moderate gap in proximal half, tubercle-shaped teeth along cutting edges, that of unmovable finger with large tooth on median part (Fig. 4 c). Walking legs (Fig. 4 d), flattened. Merus with anterior margin serrated, with subdistal spine; posterior distal portion with 4 spines, becoming smaller distally; upper surface with transverse ridges, scarce on last legs. Propodus with black bristles along anterior, posterior margins, 2 large spines on posterior distal part. Dactylus with 6 spines along anterior margin, 4 spines along posterior margin, scattered black bristles along anterior, posterior margin. Male abdomen (Fig. 4 e) with third somite slightly shorter than fourth; sixth about as long as fifth, with lateral margin nearly straight in three quarters of proximal part, roundly divergent distally; telson long, about 1.5 times as long as sixth somite. G 1 (Fig. 4 f) relatively stout, in particular in proximal half, sperm canal spiral form, apical chitinous process remarkably long, gently curved outwards; long setae on distal portion, not concealing apical long process. Female gonopore (Fig. 4 g) at anterior edge of sternite, nearly semicircular; operculum relatively wide, gently narrowing, apically rounded, located closely at bottom of depression, directed forward.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A4E6D7A55F90933F154F82B.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Metopograpsus thukuhar is widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific and has been well documented by several authors (e. g. Crosnier 1965; Holthuis 1977; Vannini & Valmori 1981; Tirmizi & Ghani 1996). This species is distinguishable from its sympatric conger in the region, M. messor, using several distinct characteristics which are listed in Table 2.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A4E6D7A55F90933F154F82B.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Metopograpsus thukuhar is a medium-size species (largest male CL = 19.96 mm, CB = 24.66 mm, largest female CL = 23.25 mm, CB = 29.82 mm) that is typically found among the pneumatophores and tree zones in mangrove forests, where it is sympatric with its congener M. messor. Macrophthalmus thukuhar is not as common as the latter in the Persian Gulf and it is occasionally seen on open muddy ground in seaside fringe of mangroves. It has also been recorded from mangroves in the Red Sea (see Holthuis 1977). Active crabs were mostly recorded out of water during high tide, in particular among the roots immediately above the water level or, rarely, on the trunk of Kenya mangroves (Fratini et al. 2000). Metopograpsus thukuhar mainly hides in small holes providing by the crossing of the mangrove roots and by the roots entering the mud. It has never been observed digging burrows (Fratini et al. 2000). This is basically an algivorous crab grazing on the roots and trunk of the mangroves during low tide, but sometimes moving onto open ground to catch smaller crabs such as Uca spp. and Dotilla fenestrata in Kenyan mangroves ecosystem. Fratini et al. (2000) analyzed the content of M. thukuhar midgut in Kenya, showing that about 2.5 % of its food items are animals, therefore proposing that it is omnivorous rather than herbivorous. This medium-size species is present in smaller populations in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman mangal system, in comparison to its sympatric congener M. messor. In Kenya, however, M. thukuhar occurs in relatively large populations together with Perisesarma guttatum. These two species are the two most common crabs of the East Africa mangrove fauna (Fratini et al. 2000, Vannini et al. 1997, Gillikin & Schubart 2004). Colour. The colour pattern is similar to that of M. messor. The carapace is slightly darker, with brown spots covered most of the gray background of the carapace. Chelipeds are dark gray to pale orange, with small brown dots. Walking legs are dark gray with brown dots mainly scattered on anterior margin. Regional records. PERSIAN GULF: UAE (Al-Ghais & Cooper 1996; Hornby 1997), Iran (present study). GULF OF OMAN: UAE (Hornby 1997; Apel 2001); Iran (present study). Geographical distribution. Indo-West Pacific: South Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, East Africa, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Pakistan, India, Vietnam, China, Japan, Australia, Tahiti, Hawaii.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A4A6D7855F90EAAF66CF835.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Basra, Iraq, Persian Gulf Material examined. Lectotype: Iraq: 1 male (NHM 2002.298, CL 23.4, CB 27.00 mm), Ashar Creek, Basra, coll. C. H. Boulenger, 1919. Paralectotypes: 1 male, 2 females (ovig.) (NHM 2002.299 - 301), same locality data as holotype. Others: Iraq: 1 male, 1 female (NHM 1892.9.16.7.20), Shat al Arab, FAO, det. M. Apel, 28.10.1997; 1 male (NHM 1999.124), Shat al Arab, FAO, det. M. Apel, 28.10.1997. Iran: 3 males (ZUTC Brach 1151), Bahmanshir River, Abadan, summer 2006, E. Gholinezhad; 1 male, 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1153), same data; 18 males, 27 females (16 ovig.), 3 juv. (SMF 33818), Pole Tanki Abolhassan, Bahmanshir River, Abadan, 30 º 21 ' 0 1.5 ʺN, 48 º 18 ' 35.9 ʺE, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 20.05.2008; 1 female (ovig.) (SMF 38454), Yadman-Valfajr, Arvandroud River, Khuzestan, coll. 20.05.2008.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A4A6D7855F90EAAF66CF835.taxon	description	Redescription. Carapace quadrate (Figs. 6 a, 7 a), slightly broader than long (CL / CB about 1.17 – 1.20); carapace slightly convex, short setae scarcely scattered on posterior surface of carapace, denser on posterolateral regions. Regions well defined, prominent groove separating gastric from cardiac region, oval groove in hepatic region immediately behind of orbit; 8 smooth ridges of different length on lateral region, 2 short ridges in between. Front strongly flexed downwards, 4 lobes in frontal region, median 2 larger than lateral 2; frontal edge nearly bilobed; lateral angles of front rounded (Fig. 6 a). Chelipeds equal, sometimes subequal, distinctly large; Merus outer surface with finely granular transverse ridges, inner margin dentate on two-thirds of proximal part, subdistally roundly expanded; carpus with spineshaped tooth on inner margin. Palm (Fig. 6 b) massive, oblique granular ridges proximally on lower margin; outer surface with small granules, becoming larger medially; upper margin with 2 or 3 longitudinal granular ridges; inner surface with oblique row of relatively large granules extending from base of immovable finger towards upper part. Fingers with small gap in between, widening distally; movable finger longer than palm, with small granules proximally on dorsal margin; tips of fingers pectinated, scalloped; tip of movable finger nearly tridentate. Female cheliped small, narrow, otherwise similar to male. Merus of walking legs with granular transverse ridges on upper surface, upper surface of last legs nearly smooth, with few ridges on anterior part; anterior margin with subdistal tooth. Carpus with 2 carinae on posterior surface, one on anterior surface; anterior margin of carpus, propodus densely covered with short brown setae. Propodus slightly longer than carpus, one carina on posterior surface, one carina on anterior surface. Male abdomen (Fig. 6 c) broadly triangular; sixth somite longer than fifth, with arched anterodistal margin; telson longer than sixth somite, lateral margin proximally nearly straight, strongly convex distally. G 1 (Fig. 6 d) straight, inner margin distally roundly expanded; terminal pectinated part gently bent laterally, small pectinated process (Fig. 6 e), nearly triangular; long setae covered terminal part, not fully concealed it. Female gonopore (Fig. 6 j) in depression on anterior edge of fifth abdominal sternite, attached to posterior margin of fourth sternite; with elevated small operculum, directed outward.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A4A6D7855F90EAAF66CF835.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Calman (1920) briefly described this species from the Shat al Arab River, Basra, Iraq, and assigned it to Sesarma Say, 1817. Apel & Türkay (1999) placed C. boulengeri in Chiromantes Gistel, 1848, following the comments by Holthuis (1977). Ng & Liu (1999) remarked on the composition of Chiromantes and suggested that the genus is heterogeneous, which was later supported by the molecular findings of Naderloo & Schubart (2009). Chiromantes is currently being revised by P. Ng and C. Schubart in an ongoing molecular and morphological study of the genus and its allies. Ng et al. (2008), however, considered that the Indo-West Pacific Chiromantes dehaani (H. Milne Edwards, 1853), should be referred to a separate genus together with C. boulengeri (Calman, 1920), Pseudosesarma patshuni (Soh, 1978), P. crassimanum (De Man, 1887), P. johorensis (Tweedie, 1940), P. moeschi (De Man, 1888), Sesarmops sinense (H. Milne Edwards, 1853), and S. intermedium (De Haan, 1835). While Naderloo & Schubart (2009) confirmed that C. boulengeri should be moved to a new genus, its affinities with the other species are less obvious, with C. boulengeri separating out from C. haematocheir (type species of Chiromantes) and others.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A4A6D7855F90EAAF66CF835.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Chiromantes boulengeri is a medium-size species (largest male CL = 23.23 mm, CB = 27.20 mm, largest female CL = 24.52 mm, CB = 29. 0 7 mm) inhabiting the Arvandroud (Shat al Arab) and Bahmanshir rivers, where it lives in burrows (about 30 cm in depth) on the muddy banks. The species dominates the wetlands along the rivers where found among Phragmites spp. reeds. This sesarmid is apparently endemic to the region and occurs in upstream the rivers although its distribution along the rivers is not well documented (Naderloo & Schubart 2009). Ovigerous females first appear in late March or early April, reaching the maximum proportion in August, when they comprise 60 % of all adult females. The smallest ovigerous females are measure of 17.7 mm in CB, and males reach their maturity at the same size as females, but showed slightly rapid growth than females (Ali 1979). During May and June the population comprises the highest number of the adult individuals (about 90 – 92 % of the total population) with the CB ranging between 25 to 27.5 mm. Juveniles (CB <2 mm) are appearing in July, and are most abundant in July and August when they are recorded to be 7.5 – 10 % of the population. In December, when the temperature is particularly low in the region, most crabs are inactive and remain in their burrows. Moulting also does not occur during November – January (Ali 1979). Colour. Live specimens are dark gray on the dorsal surface of the carapace. Walking legs are slightly brighter than carapace. Chelipeds are white to light brown from anterior view, granules on palm and fingers distinctly white, lower and inner portions of the palm are sometimes pale orange. The ventral surface of the carapace is bright and the abdomen is distinct by its light brown colour (Naderloo & Schubart 2009). Regional records. PERSIAN GULF: Basra, Iraq (Calman 1920); Arvandroud and Bahmanshir rivers, Iran (Naderloo & Schubart 2009). Geographical distribution. This species is apparently endemic to the northern Persian Gulf, being located in Iraq in the high reaches of Shat al Arab, Euphrates, Tigris, and in Iran along Arvandroud and Bahmanshir rivers catchments (Naderloo & Schubart 2009).	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A556D6255F90B8EF085FB7B.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Bandar-Abbas, Iran, Persian Gulf. Material examined. Holotype: PERSIAN GULF, Iran: 1 male (SMF 34376), muddy bank of tidal water channel, under stone, behind Airport, Bandar-Abbas, 27 ° 47 ' N, 56 ° 24 ' E, coll. M. Türkay & R. Naderloo, 0 7.01.2008. Paratypes: 23 males, 11 females (ZUTC Brach 1151), the same locality as holotype; 4 males, 8 females (4 ovig.) (ZUTC Brach 1152), muddy substrate with planted mangroves, fisheries jetty, Bandar-Mahshahr, Khuzestan, 30 ° 28 ' N, 49 ° 11 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 16.04.2006; 9 males, 12 females (ZUTC Brach 1153), oyster bank and muddy-sand, Mahtabi, Hormozgan, 26 ° 46 ' N, 55 ° 20 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 25.04.2008; 14 males, 4 females (2 ovig.) (ZUTC Brach 1154), rocky bed, Basaeedu, Qeshm I., 26 ° 36 ' N, 55 ° 16 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 07.05.2008; 3 males (ZUTC Brach 1155), muddy-sandy shore, Bandar-Khamir, Hormozgan, 26 ° 28 ' N, 55 ° 35 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 7.06.2006; 4 males, 4 females (3 ovig.) (ZUTC Brach 1156), muddy substrate on creek bank, Park-Saheli, Delvar, Bushehr, 28 ° 54 ' N, 51 ° 89 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 11.04.2006; 2 males, 2 females (ovig.) (ZUTC Brach 1157), rocky with dead coral partly covered with algae, Bandar-Dayyer, Bushehr, 27 ° 14 ' N, 51 ° 16 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 12.04.2006; 1 male (ZUTC Brach 1158), sandy-rocky, Bandargah, Bushehr, 28 ° 49 ' N, 50 ° 54 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 13.04.2006; 13 males, 11 females (7 ovig.) (SMF 34377), sandy-rocky with dead corals, Zeytun (olive) park, Qeshm I., 27 ° 11 ' N, 56 ° 24 ' E, coll. M. Türkay & R. Naderloo, 08.01.2008; 10 males, 14 females (SMF 34378), 2 km east of desalination centre, Qeshm I., 26 ° 56 ' N, 55 ° 47 ' E, coll. M. Türkay & R. Naderloo, 15.01.2008; 26 males, 17 females (ovig.) (ZUTC Brach 1158), muddy bank of creek, artificial rocky structure, Park-Saheli, Bandar-Emam, 30 ° 28 ' N, 49 ° 04 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & H. Salehi, 21.05.2008. GULF OF OMAN, Iran: 1 male, 1 female (ovig.) (SMF 34379), muddysand with dead corals, behind Shahid Beheshti Jetty, Chabahar, 30 ° 10 ' N, 50 ° 05 ' E, coll. A. Sari & R. Naderloo, 22.10.2006. Others: PERSIAN GULF, Iran: 1 female, 2 juv. (SMF 37692), muddy flat, 3 km W. of Kuweii, Qeshm I., 26 º 57 ' N, 56 º 00 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & M. Türkay, 13.01.2008; 1 female (SMF 37693), sandy / cobble, Dustku, Qeshm I., 26 º 31 ' N, 55 º 21 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 07.05.2008; 12 males, 8 females (SMF 37694), muddy-sand with shells, 2 km E. of desalination centre, Qeshm I., 26 º 56 ' N, 55 º 47 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & M. Türkay, 15.01.2008; 2 males, 1 female (SMF 37695), muddy-sand with stony patches, 3 km W. of Kuweii, Qeshm I., 26 º 57 ' N, 56 º 00 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 05.05.2008; 2 males, 1 female (SMF 37696), sandy / rocky, W. of Kaveh Jetty, Qeshm I., 26 º 56 ' N, 55 º 58 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 06.05.2008; 6 males, 6 females (SMF 37697), muddy-sand, Tula, Qeshm I., 26 º 59 ' N, 56 º 12 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & M. Türkay, 13.01.2008; 8 males, 8 females (SMF 37698), mangroves, Bandar-Khamir, 26 º 28 ' N, 55 º 35 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 31.12.2005; 1 male, 1 female (SMF 37699), sandy / rocky, S. coast, Qeshm I., 26 º 35 ' N, 55 º 28 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 07.05.2008; 4 males, 4 females (SMF 37700), rocky / cobble, Zeytun (olive) park beach, Qeshm I., 27 º 11 ' N, 56 º 24 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & M. Türkay, 09.01.2008; 3 males, 2 females (SMF 37701), muddy bank of creek, artificial rocky structure, Park-Saheli, Bandar-Emam, 30 ° 28 ' N, 49 ° 04 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & H. Salehi, 21.05.2008; 3 males, 1 female, 1 juv. (SMF 37702), sandy with stony patches, E. of Fajr Jetty, Qeshm I., 26 º 58 ' N, 56 º 15 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 05.05.2008; 2 females (SMF 37703), coral bed covered with algae, Jofreh guard post, Bushehr, 28 º 58 ' N, 50 º 49 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & H. Salehi, 24.05.2008; 4 males, 1 female, (SMF 37704), sandy / rocky, 15 km E. of Bandar-Lengeh, Hormozgan, 26 º 38 ' N, 55 º 02 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 24.04.2008.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A556D6255F90B8EF085FB7B.taxon	description	Redescription. Carapace square (Figs. 8 a, 12 a), slightly broader than long (CB / CL = 1.15), evenly convex, sparsely covered with short, plumose setae. Frontal edge sinuous, with 2 wide lobes, lobes convex, moderately produced; frontal edge serrated, slightly beaded upwards; frontal region gently flexed downwards. Regions well defined, gastric region defined by deep groove; cardiac region with shallow groove; small depression behind supraorbital margin; fine granules over upper surface of carapace, always 2 or more granules in row; 4 oblique granular ridges along lateral surface. Anterolateral margin with 2 teeth including exorbital angle, first broadly triangular; second small triangular, with pointed tip, lateral margin behind second tooth slightly convergent (Fig. 8 a). Basal antennal segment long (Fig. 8 b), reaching to middle of second segment. Chelipeds subequal; inner margin of merus proximally crenulated; manus slightly swollen, outer surface (Fig. 8 c) with large patch of dense setae, covering whole manus above lower row of granules, extending to proximal half of fingers; 3 rows of granules (Fig. 8 d), concealed by patch of setae; lower one long, regularly granular; middle one short, with irregular large granules, subparallel to lower one; upper one short, with irregular granules, curving upwards distally; upper margin granular; inner surface of manus with granules on proximal part same as those on carapace. Movable finger tuberculated over most of upper surface; 6 relatively large granules proximally on outer surface (Fig. 8 d); cutting edge with small various-size teeth; cutting edge of immovable finger with large prominent tooth on medial portion; chitinous apical part of fingers spoon-shaped. Merus of walking legs with anterior margin weakly crenulated, with pointed subdistal tooth; posterior margin crenulated; posterodistal lobe denticulate, first denticle large, that of first, second legs particularly prominent, spiniform. Carpus of first, second, third legs with 2 distinct carinae on posterior surface, one on anterior surface, carpus of last walking leg without carina on posterior surface (Fig. 8 e). Propodus with oblique carina on posterior face. Dactylus distinctly more than half as long as propodus; with 8 – 10 spines in 2 rows on posterior margin, 2 or 3 spines on anterior margin of last walking leg; last walking leg of female without any spine on anterior margin. Male abdomen (Fig. 8 g) elongately triangular; sixth somite slightly more than twice as broad as long, lateral margins converging; telson markedly elongate, about 1.6 times as long as broad. G 1 (Figs 8 f, 9 a) nearly straight, corneous distal part slightly directed outwards, genital opening distally on posterior surface, corneous part completely covered with long setae. Female gonopore (Fig. 8 h) with nearly long oval operculum on inner side, directing outward; outer margin of opening roundly expanded.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A556D6255F90B8EF085FB7B.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Jones (1986 a) first recorded this species (as Nanosesarma minutum De Man, 1887) from Kuwait and Apel (2001) recorded one badly damaged male (NHM) from the same region. Naderloo & Türkay (2009) described a new species of Nanosesarma from the Persian Gulf and synonymised the records of Jones (1986 a) and Apel (2001). They also examined material (NHM 1985: 512) from Karachi, Pakistan, and stated that material recorded as N. minutum by Tirmizi & Ghani (1996) is N. sarii. Nanosesarma minutum appears to have an eastern distribution from the eastern Indian Ocean to the West Pacific.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A556D6255F90B8EF085FB7B.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Nanosesarma sarii is a small-size species (largest male CL = 8.77 mm, CB = 9.95 mm, largest female CL = 8.24 mm, CB = 9.21 mm) that inhabits sediments of a variety of sizes. It has a wide distribution in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and was found at most surveyed sites. On rocky shores and cobble stones, as well on coral beds, this species could be found under small stones. In mangroves, it lives in small burrows among the pneumatophores, under decaying wood as well as in large dead shells. This species is common amongst shells in oyster banks, and also within the sediment in sheltered sandy mud-flats (Naderloo & Türkay 2009). Little else still is known about its biology. Colour. Live specimens with light brown carapace, darker brown on anterior part. Chelipeds, walking legs, and abdomen are lighter than carapace, sometimes with brown banding on the walking legs. Dark brown setae are on the outer surface of the manus of the chelipeds and on upper margin of propodus of the walking legs, giving a darker appearance to these parts (Naderloo & Türkay 2009). Regional records. PERSIAN GULF: Kuwait (Jones 1986 a; Apel 2001, both as Nanosesarma minutum); Iran (Naderloo & Türkay 2009). GULF OF OMAN: Iran (Naderloo & Türkay 2009). Geographical distribution. Northwestern Indian Ocean: Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A516D6E55F90874F4DAFAB3.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Djibouti and Obock (Gulf of Aden). Material examined. Lectotype: 1 male (MNHN B 16696), Mer Rouge, coll. Dr. Jousseaume, 1897. Paralectotype: 1 female (MNHN B 16696), Mer Rouge, coll. Dr. Jousseaume, 1897. Others: PERSIAN GULF, Iran: 1 male (ZUTC Brach 1161), sandy / rocky, Moghdan village, 35 km E. of Parsian, Hormozgan, 27 ° 06 ' N, 53 ° 03 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 12.05.2006; 2 males, 5 females (3 ovig.) (ZUTC Brach 1162), rocky bed, 10 km E. of Salakh, Qeshm I., 26 ° 40 ' N, 55 ° 44 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 11.05.2008; 1 female (SMF 34380), sandy / rocky, S. coast, Qeshm I., 26 ° 35 ' N, 55 ° 28 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 07.05.2008; 1 male, 2 females (ZUTC Brach 1163), sandy / cobble, S. coast, Qeshm I., 26 ° 51 ' N, 56 ° 08 ' E, coll. M. Türkay & R. Naderloo, 10.01.2008; 4 males, 2 females (SMF 37689), rocky bed, 5 km W. of the city Qeshm, Qeshm I., coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 25.10.2009; 1 male (SMF 37688), Zeytun (olive) park, Qeshm I., 27 º 11 ' N, 56 º 24 ' E, coll. M. Türkay & R. Naderloo, 0 8.01.2008. GULF OF ADEN, Djibouti: 1 male, 3 females (SMF 25147), under stones, intertidal zone, Plage de Triton, City of Djibouti, coll. A. Allspach, G. Fischer & M. Türkay, 18.03.1987. INDIAN OCEAN, Tanzania: 4 males, 2 females (1 ovig.) (NHM 1973: 89), rocky cliff, Dar es Salam, coll. R. G. Hartnoll, April 1972, as Nanosesarma minutum. Madagascar: 1 male (MNHN B 16193) intertidal, Nosy Bé, coll. A. Crosnier as Nanosesarma cf. minutum; 1 male, 1 female (MNHN B 16195), intertidal oyster bank, Nosy Bé, coll. A. Crosnier as Sesarma (cf) minutum Man; 2 females (MNHN B 16196), sand stone beds, intertidal, Nosy Bé, coll. A. Crosnier as Sesarma cf. minutum; 2 males, 1 female (MNHN B 16194), intertidal, Plante collection, Tuléar, coll. A. Crosnier as Sesarma cf. minutum.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A516D6E55F90874F4DAFAB3.taxon	description	Redescription. Carapace square (Fig. 10 a), slightly broader than long (CB / CL = 1.1), nearly uneven, smooth, covered with short plumose setae. Regions well defined, frontal region with two lobes, distinct depression separating gastric region from cardiac; one weakly granular oblique ridge on posterolateral surface of carapace, one short ridge on anterolateral surface. Frontal region gently deflexed downward, frontal ridge about half as broad as carapace, weakly serrated, nearly bi-lobed. Orbit about one-fourth carapace breadth. Anterolateral margin with 2 teeth including exorbital angle, first broadly triangular; second small triangular, with pointed tip, lateral border behind second tooth slightly convergent (Fig. 9 a). Basal antennal segment (Fig. 10 b) long, reaching to base of flagellum. Chelipeds subequal. Merus outer surface with small tubercles; inner surface smooth; posterior, anterior, lower margins granular; anterodistal margin with rectangular process. Palm relatively large, outer surface fully covered with dense setae (Fig. 10 c); 3 rows of tubercles underneath setae (Fig. 10 d), lower one extending from proximal part to basal third length of immovable finger, middle one short, oblique, upper row short, with irregular granules, nearly parallel to median one; lower margin smooth; upper margin with small tubercles; inner surface smooth on lower part, some tubercles on upper part. Fingers slightly narrow, shorter than palm, large gap proximally between them. Movable finger nearly straight, small granules proximally on upper surface, large distinct tubercle proximally on outer surface (Fig. 10 d); cutting edge of fingers with different-size teeth, cutting edge of immovable finger with large prominent tubercle in middle part; tips of fingers spoon-shaped. Walking legs merus with anterior margin weakly serrated, with small subdistal spine; posterior margin (Fig. 10 e) with distinct tooth-shaped granule, some small ones distally to large one; posterodistal margin with spiniform teeth, proximal one largest. Propodus about twice as long as width or slightly longer, about 1.5 times as long as dactylus. Dactylus with 6 spines in 2 rows along posterior margin, larger distally; all segments of walking legs, except dactylus, densely covered with short plumose setae, long bristles between them. Male abdomen (Fig. 10 f) with sixth somite about 3.5 times as broad as long, lateral margin gently converging distally; telson slightly longer than broad. G 1 (Figs. 9 b) straight, with long corneous distal part, slightly bending outward, distal opening on posterior surface of apical part.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A516D6E55F90874F4DAFAB3.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species has had a long taxonomic history since its description by Nobili (1905). Serène & Soh (1970) synonymised it with N. Minutum, and Crosnier (1965) identified specimens of Nanosesarma from Madagascar as N. minutum. Holthuis (1977) re-described the species using one small female and also mentioned that the Madagascar material recorded by Crosnier (1965) was probably identical with N. jousseaumei. Naderloo & Türkay (2009) recorded this rare species from the Persian Gulf and re-described it from male specimens. They also discussed the identity of the Madagascar material identified by Crosnier supporting the view of Holthuis (1977) in assigning them to N. jousseaumei. Nanosesarma jousseaumei is more similar to N. minutum among congeners (see Naderloo & Türkay 2009). Two characters distinguish these two species: distinct teeth-shaped tubercles including a large one present on the posterior margin of the last walking legs of N. jousseaumei (Fig. 10 e) but finely serrated in N. minutum; a large tubercle present on the outer surface of the movable finger, smooth in N. minutum. In addition, two other characters were used in the present study to distinguish N. jousseaumei from N. minutum and N. sarii. The lateral margin of the G 1 is distally expanded with a nearly angled margin in N. jousseaumei whereas it is slightly expanded and distally arched in N. sarii, and narrowing distally in N. minutum which is completely distinct from two others (Fig. 9 a – c). The three species are not readily distinguishable with regards to the median tooth plates of the gastric mill, all having three teeth on the posterior part of the plate, but the middle tooth being narrower than the others in N. jousseaumei (Fig. 11 a – c); whereas the median tooth plate has lateral margins relatively arched medially in N. minutum; posteriorly nearly straight and anteriorly converging in N. Jousseaumei, and with an intermediate form in N. sarii.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A516D6E55F90874F4DAFAB3.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. This small-size species (male lectotype CL = 4.8 mm, CB = 5.3 mm, female Paralectotype CL = 4.0 mm, CB = 4.5 mm), like its congener, N. minutum, is found under the small stones on rocky shores or between the branches of dead corals. Nanosesarma jousseaumei is not common, being only occasionally found in some rocky substrates. Vannini & Valmori (1981) recorded this species (identified as N. minutum) from decayed woods in the muddy substrate of mangroves. Little is known about the life history of the species. Colour. Live specimens from the Persian Gulf are generally bright-brown on the upper surfaces of the carapace and appendages, with some irregular dark-brown flecks on the anterior region of the carapace. Short brown setae on the appendages give a dark appearance to these structures (Naderloo & Türkay 2009). Regional records. PERSIAN GULF: Iran (Naderloo & Türkay 2009; present study). Geographical distribution. Western Indian Ocean: Madagascar, Tanzania, Gulf of Aden, Djibouti, Persian Gulf.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A5D6D6B55F908D9F0F1FE13.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Khalij-Nayband (Iran, Persian Gulf). Material examined. Holotype: PERSIAN GULF, Iran: 1 male (ZUTC Brach 1251) (CL = 22.9 mm, CB = 28.9 mm), mangroves, Khalij-Nayband, Bushehr, 27 º 38 ' N, 52 º ' 65 E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 26.04.2008. Paratypes: PERSIAN GULF, Iran: 4 males (ZUTC Brach 1252), locality information same as holotype; 2 males, 9 females, 1 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1138), muddy flats, 30 km off sea, Bahmanshir River, Khuzestan, coll. E. Gholinejad, summer 2005; 1 male (ZUTC Brach 1139), mangroves, Khalij-Nayband, Bushehr, 27 º 38 ' N, 52 º 65 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 05.06.2005; 5 males, 5 females (ZUTC Brach 1140), muddy substrate among planted mangrove trees, fisheries jetty of Majidieh, Bandar-Mahshahr, Khuzestan, 30 º 28 ' N, 49 º 11 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 16.04.2006; 2 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1147), mangroves, Khor-Khalasi, Jask, Hormozgan, 25 º 35 ' N, 58 º 02 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 21.11.2005; 18 males, 13 females, 9 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1149), muddy bank, Arvandroud River, Yadman-Valfajr, Khuzestan, 29 º 43 ' N, 48 º 58 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 17.04.2006; 3 males, 6 females, 4 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1150), muddy substrate among mangrove trees, fisheries jetty Majidieh, Bandar-Mahshahr, Khuzestan, 30 º 28 ' N, 49 º 11 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 16.04.2006; 2 males, 7 females, 1 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1152), muddy bank, Arvandroud River, Khuzestan, 29 º 43 ' N, 48 º 58 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 17.04.2006; 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1154), mangroves, Khalij-Nayband, Bushehr, 27 º 38 ' N, 52 º 65 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 05.06.2005; 1 male, 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1195), estuarine sandy mud-flat, Bandar-Rig, Bushehr, 29 º 28 ' N, 50 º 37 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 13.04.2006; 8 males, 2 females (SMF 34801), muddy bank, Arvandroud River, Yadman-Valfajr, Khuzestan, 29 º 43 ' N, 48 º 58 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & H. Salehi, 20.04.2008; 1 male (SME 34796), mangroves, Khalij-Nayband, Bushehr, 27 º 38 ' N, 52 º 65 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 05.06.2005; 3 males (SMF 34803), muddy substrate, fisheries jetty Majidieh, Bandar-Mahshahr, Khuzestan, 30 º 28 ' N, 49 º 11 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 21.05.2008; 4 males, 1 juv. (SMF 34803), muddy substrate of water channel, S. coast, Qeshm I., 26 º 43 ' N, 55 º 49 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & M. Türkay, 09.01.2008; 3 males (SMF 34791), muddy substrate of tidal water channel, Park Saheli, Bandar-Emam, 30 º 28 ' N, 49 º 04 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, A. Kazemi & H. Salehi, 20.05.2008; 1 male (SMF 34790), estuarine sandy mud-flat, Bandar-Rig, Bushehr, 29 º 28 ' N, 50 º 37 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 24.05.2008. UAE: 5 males, 2 females (ovig.) (SMF 34757), mangroves, Khor Qaiwain, Umm al Qaiwain, 25 º 35 ' N, 55 º 34 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 0 9.07.1995. GULF OF OMAN, Iran: 4 males, 5 females (ZUTC Brach 1180), mangroves, Khor-Khalasi, Jask, Hormozgan, 25 º 35 ' N, 58 º 02 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 21.11.2005; 1 male, 1 female, 1 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1200), mangroves, Guader Bay, Baluchestan, 25 º 08 ' N, 61 º 27 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 19.11.2005.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A5D6D6B55F908D9F0F1FE13.taxon	description	Redescription. Carapace subquadrate (Figs. 7 c, 13 a), moderately wider than long (CB / CL = 1.3), maximum breadth behind exorbital angle; posterior surface relatively convex, smooth, with bundles of small setae sparsely on it, especially on branchial regions; regions relatively well delimited; 6 smooth curved ridges of various-size on posterolateral region. Frontal region sharply deflexed, 4 - lobed, median 2 larger, with narrow, deep groove between them, separated from laterals by shallow groove; frontal edge clearly longer than posterior edge of carapace, sinuous form. Supraorbital margin, smooth, without fissure; infraorbital margin finely serrated, forming gentle sinuous form. Lateral margins of carapace without tooth, short behind outer orbital teeth straight or slightly divergent backwardly, convergent in posterolateral part, giving more or less concave form to lateral margin (Fig. 13 a). Chelipeds subequal, large, robust. Merus anterior, posterior margins with subdistal tooth, carpus with anterior angle produced, outer surface of merus, carpus with transverse row of granules. Manus (Fig. 13 b) with 2 prominent pectinated crests on upper surface, sometimes one small behind them; outer, inner surfaces granular, one transverse row of granules on inner surface near base of movable finger; movable finger with 12 – 14 large, round tubercles along upper surface, becoming oval proximally, row of 12 or 13 small tubercles on half proximal part of movable finger at inner part of large tubercles; tip of movable finger with 2, unmovable finger with 3 tooth-shaped processes. Female chelipeds smaller than those of male, without pectinated crests. Walking legs flattened, broad; merus broad, with subdistal spine on anterior margin; upper surface granular, surface of last leg smooth (Fig. 13 c). Carpus with 2 carinae on outer, one carina on inner surface. Propodus with one carina on outer, inner surface; carpus, propodus of last walking legs without carina on inner surface; smooth setae densely on anterior, posterior margins of propodus, distal part of carpus. Dactylus smooth, without spine, with smooth setae on proximal part. Male abdomen (Fig. 13 d), relatively short triangular; third somite widest; sixth longer than fifth; telson relatively small, slightly longer than sixth somite. G 1 (Fig. 13 e) quite straight; chitinous process curved outwards at about 45 º angle; slightly concave basally on mesial surface, lateral surface with distinct depression; long setae distally on ventromesial margin and around terminal process. Female gonopore (Fig. 13 f) with small operculum in anterior part, directed posteriorly, somewhat embraced by posterior margin of fourth sternite.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A5D6D6B55F908D9F0F1FE13.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Naderloo & Schubart (2010) described Parasesarma persicum from the Persian Gulf based on morphological and genetic characteristics. Parasesarma persicum had been already recorded as P. plicatum (Latreille, 1803) from the region by several authors (e. g. Tirmizi & Ghani 1996; Apel & Türkay 1999; Apel 2001; Naderloo & Schubart 2009). Parasesarma persicum belongs to the broad-legged group of P. plicatum, which was recently revised by Rahayu & Ng (2010). The similarity and distinctness of this species to the different species of the P. plicatum - group has been discussed in detail by Naderloo & Schubart (2010). Parasesarma persicum is close to P. guttatum (A. Milne-Edwards, 1869), which is readily distinguished from it by possessing a tooth on the anterolateral margin of the carapace. Perisesarma guttatum has not been recorded from the Persian Gulf.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A5D6D6B55F908D9F0F1FE13.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Parasesarma persicum is a medium-size species (largest male CL = 26.2 mm, CB = 33.2 mm, largest female CL = 19.5 mm, CB = 25.6 mm). It is found on muddy substrates, occupying a variety of micro-habitats in mangrove forests and marshlands. In mangroves, it digs burrows mainly along the side of water channels, with a slight preference for the pneumatophores and tree regions. This species also occurs in the downstream reaches of rivers, as in the northern part of the Persian Gulf, where it is found along the banks of the Arvandroud (Shatt al Arab) and Bahmanshir rivers up to about 30 km from the sea (Naderloo & Schubart 2009). Parasesarma persicum is a dominant species in this habitat and also common in the marshlands around these rivers, where it is found amongst densely covered Phragmites spp. communities. It does not normally construct borrows in open mud flats Colour. Posterior surface of carapace and walking legs dark gray, carapace is always darker than legs, in particular the anterior portion. Chelipeds are cream-colour, upper surface of carpus and manus reddish brown. A reddish brown colour is sometimes also seen on the distal segments of the walking legs and the anterior abdominal sternites (particularly in large specimens). Fingers are bright orange on the distal part (Naderloo & Schubart 2010). Regional records. PERSIAN GULF: Kuwait (Jones 1986), UAE (Al-Ghais & Cooper 1996), north part of the Persian Gulf (Apel 2001), Iran (Naderloo & Schubart 2010). GULF OF OMAN: Iran (Naderloo & Schubart 2010). Geographical distribution. Northwestern Indian Ocean: Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Pakistan.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A586D6955F90F3BF77CFB20.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Zanzibar Material examined. GULF OF OMAN, UAE: 2 males, 1 female (SMF 37370), mangroves, Khor Kalba, Fujairah, 25 º 01 ' N, 56 º 21 ' E, M. Apel, 0 1.07.1995. INDIAN OCEAN Kenya: 1 male, 1 female (SMF 29337), Minda Greek, Dabaso, Watamu, S. of Malindi, 30 º 28 ' N, 49 º 11 ' E, coll. D. P. Gillikin & A. Verheyden, 09 – 11.1998; 1 male (SMF 31835), Mida Creek, D. P. Gillikin & A. Verheyden, 08.1998 – 10.1999. South Africa: 4 males (SMF 31835), Umlazi Lagoon, Natal, coll. Neumann, Jul. 1997.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A586D6955F90F3BF77CFB20.taxon	description	Redescription. Carapace subquadrate (Figs. 7 e, 14 a), moderately wider than long (CB / CL = 1.2), maximum breadth between exorbital angle; carapace regions nearly distinct, gastric region distinctly defined; 6 curved ridges on posterolateral region, small transverse ridges scarcely on carapace, ridges with short setae; frontal region sharply deflexed, 4 - lobed, median 2 larger than lateral 2, with deep groove between them; medians separated from laterals by shallow groove. Frontal edge clearly longer than posterior edge of carapace, distinctly 2 - lobed, lobes separated by wide notch. Supraorbital margin smooth, without fissure; infraorbital margin minutely granular with small granules. Lateral margin of carapace with 2 teeth including exorbital angle; first one elongately triangular, directed forward, with curved lateral margin, second one small triangle; posterolateral margin nearly straight, slightly concave medially. Third maxilliped long with large gap between; ischium, merus subequal in length. Chelipeds subequal, large; merus with granular margins; upper margins with large subdistal tooth, that of inner margin large; outer surface with granular transverse ridges. Carpus subquadrate, outer surface with granular transverse ridges. Manus (Fig. 14 b) with 2 prominent pectinated carinae distally on upper surface, granular line behind them; outer surface granular, granules on curved line proximally; lower, upper margins granular, upper margin nearly sharply running proximally; inner surface with granules slightly larger than those of outer surface. Movable finger with 12 large tubercles along upper surface (Fig. 14 b), row of small tubercles on half proximal part of upper surface of movable finger along inner part of large tubercles, distinct ridge proximally on inner surface of movable finger; cutting edge of fingers with large obtuse teeth, one median, one subdistal tooth distinct on both fingers; tip of movable finger with 2, unmovable finger with 3 tooth-like processes. Female chelipeds smaller than those of males, without pectinated crests. Walking legs flattened, broad; merus broad, with subdistal spine on anterior margin, upper surface with short transverse ridges, merus of third leg about 2.2 times as long as broad; carpus with 2 carinae on outer, one carina on inner surface; propodus with one carina on outer, one on inner surface, propodus of third leg about 3.5 times as long as broad; carpus, propodus of last walking legs without carina on inner surface, brown setae densely on anterior, posterior margins of propodus and distal carpus; dactylus smooth, without spine, with brown setae along margins proximally. Male abdomen (Fig. 14 d) with sixth somite longest, slightly diverging proximally, sharply curved distally; telson about as long as broad, slightly shorter than sixth somite. G 1 (Fig. 14 c) quite straight, slightly tapering distally, distinct longitudinal suture along ventrolateral surface; apical chitinous process long, curved outwards at 60 º angle, apically 2 - lobed, ventral lobe longer, apically round; distal opening subdistally on dorsal surface of apical process; long brown setae distally on lateral margin, patch of long brown setae distally on mesial margin, long setae around terminal process, some short ones scarcely along lateral, ventral margins. Female gonopore (Fig. 14 e) in inner part of fifth sternal somite; strongly depressed; with long narrow operculum directing dorsally.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A586D6955F90F3BF77CFB20.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Perisesarma guttatum is relatively similar to P. p er s ic um, the most common species in the Persian Gulf mangroves. Species of Perisesarma are distinguishable from those of Parasesarma by having an anterolateral tooth on the carapace. Perisesarma guttatum is closely allied to P. samawati, although genetically distinct and not sister species. The carapace of P. s a m a w a t i is dark with blue spots, and this species has 7 – 9 tubercles on the upper surface of the movable finger, while such pigmentation is absent in P. guttatum and there are 9 – 11 tubercles on the upper surface of movable finger. Another difference is in the form of the G 1, which the apical chitinous process of P. guttatum is bent slightly more than in P. Samawati, which is at about a 45 º angle (Gillikin & Schubart 2004).	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A586D6955F90F3BF77CFB20.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Perisesarma guttatum is a medium-size species. All three specimens collected by M. Apel from Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman are small in size (largest male CL = 10.62 mm, CB = 12.90 mm, ovigerous female CL = 6.24 mm, CB = 8.18 mm). This species is one of the dominant species of mangroves in the Gulf of Oman (Hywel-Davies 1994). It should be remarked that Hywel-Davies (1994) did not record Metopograpsus messor and P. persicum from these regions, which are common species in the Persian Gulf (Cooper 1977; Apel & Türkay 1999; Naderloo & Schubart 2010; present study) and north Gulf of Oman in the Iranian coast (Naderloo & Schubart 2010; present study). These two species seems to have been replaced by P. guttatum and M. thukuhar in the southern Gulf of Oman (Hywel-Davies 1994). Perisesarma guttatum has also been recorded from the mangroves of Melita Bay in the Red Sea, where it occurs on the trunk of A vicennia marina together with Metopograpsus thukuhar (Holthuis, 1977). Perisesarma guttatum is common in the East Africa mangroves (Hartnoll 1975; Vannini & Valmori 1981; Crosnier 1965; Gillikin & Schubart 2004) and is sympatric with its conger P. s a m a w a t i Gillikin & Schubart, 2004. However, P. guttatum occurs extensively and is distributed widely in East Africa (Gillikin & Schubart 2004). Colour. Vannini & Valmori (1981) briefly described the colour pattern of live P. guttatum from Kenya: posterior surface of the carapace dark violet, walking legs light violet; chelipeds dark violet on the proximal part and upper surface, distally getting red, inner surface of the chelipeds red-orange. An alcohol-preserved specimen collected from Kenya in 1998 still shows the general colour pattern described by Vannini & Valmori (1981), although the preserved specimens have brighten cheliped. Regional records. GULF OF OMAN: Muscat (Hywel-Davies 1994), UAE (Apel 2001). There is no record of this species from the Persian Gulf. Geographical distribution. Western Indian Ocean (excluding the Persian Gulf): South Africa, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Red Sea, southwestern Gulf of Oman.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A5A6D5655F908BAF53FFD18.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Indian Ocean (exact locality not known). Material examined. PERSIAN GULF, Iran: 4 males, 1 female (ovig.), 2 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1160) sandy mudflat, Shah Abdollah, Bushehr, 30 º 10 ' N, 50 º 05 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 14.04.2006; 1 male, 5 females, 1 juv. (ZUTC Brach 1206), mangroves and muddy sand-flat, Bandar-Khamir, Hormozgan, 26 º 28 ' N, 55 º 35 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 31.12.2005; 3 males, 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1207), mangroves and muddy sand-flat, Bandar-Khamir, Hormozgan, 26 º 28 ' N, 55 º 35 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 31.04.2005; 7 males, 1 female (ZUTC Brach 1209), mud flat, 15 km E. of city, Hendijan, Khuzestan, 30 º 06 ' N, 49 º 46 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 16.04.2006; 1 male, 2 females (SMF 38130), muddy flat, Bandar-Khamir, Hormozgan, 26 º 56 ' N, 55 º 36 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 24.04.2008; 1 male (SMF 38131), muddy sand-flat with shells, E. of city, Bandar-Abbas, 27 º 08 ' N, 56 º 20 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, A. Kazemi & A. Keykhosravi, 23.04.2008; 1 male, 1 female (SMF 38132), muddy flat, Bandar-Khamir, Hormozgan, 26 º 56 ' N, 55 º 36 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 24.04.2008; 1 male, 2 females (SMF 38133), muddy flat, Bandar-Khamir, Hormozgan, 26 º 56 ' N, 55 º 36 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 24.04.2008; 6 males, 1 female (SMF 38134), muddy flat, Bandar-Khamir, Hormozgan, 26 º 56 ' N, 55 º 36 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 24.04.2008; 1 juv. (SMF 38135), muddy sand-flat with shells, E. of city, Bandar- Abbas, 27 º 08 ' N, 56 º 20 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, A. Kazemi & A. Keykhosravi, 23.04.2008; 1 female, 3 juv. (SMF 38136), sandy-mud, Bandar-Kolahi, Hormozgan, coll. R. Naderloo, A. Kazemi & A. Keykhosravi, 21.04.2008; 2 males (SMF 38137), muddy-sand, Bandar-Tiab, Hormozgan, 27 º 09 ' N, 56 º 37 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 07.01.2008; 1 female (SMF 38138), Kuweii, Qeshm I., 26 º 57 ' N, 56 º 00 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 13.01.2008; 1 juv. (SMF 38139), sandy-mud in planted mangroves, Dargahan, Qeshm I., 26 º 58 ' N, 56 º 04 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 13.01.2008; 1 juv. (SMF 38140), muddy-sand with rocky patches, 3 km W. of Kuweii, Qeshm I., 26 º 57 ' N, 56 º 00 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 06.05.2008; 2 males, 1 juv. (SMF 38141), mangroves, Bandar-Khamir, 26 º 56 ' N, 55 º 36 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 24.04.2008; 1 male, 2 females, 1 juv. (SMF 38141) muddy-sand with shells, 2 km E. of desalination center, Qeshm I., 26 º 56 ' N, 55 º 47 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & M. Türkay, 15.01.2008; 1 female (SMF 38143), sandy-mud, Bandar-Kolahi, coll. R. Naderloo, A. Kazemi & A. Keykhosravi, 21.04.2008; 1 female (SMF 38144), muddy sand-flat with shell fragments, E. of the city, Bandar- Abbas, 27 º 11 ' N, 56 º 21 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, A. Kazemi & A. Keykhosravi, 23.04.2008; 2 juv. (SMF 38145), muddy-sand, Tula, Qeshm I., 26 º 59 ' N, 56 º 12 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & M. Türkay, 13.02.2008. GULF OF OMAN, Iran: 1 male (ZUTC Brach 1205), mangroves, Khor-Khalasi, Jask, Hormozgan, 25 º 35 ' N, 58 º 02 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 21.11.2005; 2 males (ZUTC Brach 1208), mangroves, Gwadr, Baluchestan, 25 º 08 ' N, 61 º 27 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 19.11.2005.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A5A6D5655F908BAF53FFD18.taxon	description	Redescription. Carapace rectangular (Figs. 15 a, 18 c), distinctly wider than long (CB / CL = 1.4), maximum breadth between posterior part of second anterolateral teeth or anterior part of third teeth; posterior surface moderately convex, nearly smooth, some microscopic granules and setae sparsely on branchial regions. Carapace regions distinct; 2 inconspicuous postfrontal lobes; 2 finely granular, transverse edges on cardiac region; 2 shorter ones laterally on front of cardiac ridges; 2 granular ridges on posterolateral region, first one begins at anterior end of third anterolateral tooth, second one from near base of second walking leg. Front short, about one-quarter maximum carapace breadth, gently deflexed; frontal edge finely granular, 2 - lobed with distinct notch between them. Supraorbital margin sinuous-shaped, evenly granular; infraorbital margin of males (Fig. 15 c) irregularly serrate in inner half, following by 2 long lobes, 5 – 7 tubercles lateral to these lobes, first 4 ones prominent, nearly rounded. Infraorbital margin of females regularly serrated. Anterolateral margin of carapace with 4 teeth (including exorbital tooth), smaller posteriorly; first, second nearly with same shape, nearly subquadrate; first largest, slightly lower than second; fourth very small, attached to former. Posterolateral margin convergent posteriorly. Chelipeds nearly equal; comparing to carapace, walking legs large. Merus long, anterior margin finely serrated, with chitinous brown crest proximally on anterior margin; posterior margin with very small granules. Carpus with one large, some small teeth on inner angle. Manus (Fig. 15 d) large, robust, slightly higher distally; outer surface smooth; lower margin with scarce denticles; upper margin with very small granules. Fingers curved downwards, curved slightly inwards posteriorly, point-ended; cutting edges with tubercular teeth; movable finger with 3 or 4 large teeth at proximal half. Female chelipeds very small, without chitinous crest on anterior margin of merus. Walking legs long, flattened, with second, third longer than first, fourth. Merus long, about as long as carapace, anterior margin slightly serrated; long setae densely on anterior margin, upper surface of proximal part of merus, distal part of carpus, whole propodus; last leg with more sparse setae; dactylus with sparse setae. Male abdomen (Fig. 15 b) with somites 3 – 5 fused, sutures only visible on lateral part; sixth somite longest, becoming wider distally; telson longer than broad. G 1 (Fig. 15 e) moderately stout, gently curved outwards; sperm canal nearly straight; apical chitinous process (Fig. 15 f) slightly bending outwards, apical end concave, long setae densely surrounding apical process.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A5A6D5655F908BAF53FFD18.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The genus otherwise contains 11 species (Davie & Xuan 2003; Ng et al. 2008), all occurring in the tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. Metaplax indica is the only species of the genus in the region. Pretzmann (1971) described a subspecies, Metaplax indicus occidentalis Pretzmann, 1971, from Bandar-Abbas on the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf. The subspecies supposedly differed from M. indica as described by H. Milne-Edwards (1852), with Pretzmann citing three features characteristic of the new taxon. Ng et al. (2008) retained the name as a valid species of Metaplax. All three characters used by Pretzmann (1971: 478) for M. occidentalis, however, are similar to what have been observed in the present specimens and are identical as well to the original description and illustrations provided by H. Milne-Edwards (1852). The subspecies is therefore synonymized with M. indica. The second species of this genus, which has been recorded from the northern Arabian Sea in Pakistani waters, is M. distincta H. Milne-Edwards, 1952, (Tirmizi & Ghani 1996), but as yet, there is still no record of this species further west in Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A5A6D5655F908BAF53FFD18.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Metaplax indica is a relatively medium-size species (largest male CL = 16.70 mm, CB = 24.97 mm, largest female CL = 11.55 mm, CB = 16.50 mm) that is found on mud flats and mangroves, normally digging borrows in the low-intertidal zone. The cheliped of the males shows a higher growth rate than that of the carapace, and in the large specimens (CB> 13 mm) the length of the cheliped palm (including finger) is about as long or even slightly longer as CB. Colour. Posterior surface of the carapace is dark gray, with a few irregular white sports, Ventral surface bright sometimes with irregular violet spots. The margins of carapace and appendages are bright violet. The merus of the chelipeds is dark gray on the posterior surface and completely violet on the anterior surface, while the palm is light and the fingers violet. The walking legs are dark gray on the posterior surface, anterior surface bright and the margins bright violet. Small specimens, however, show a gray colour pattern on the carapace and appendages, with bright violet fingers. Regional records. PERSIAN GULF: Kuwait (Clayton 1986; Jones 1986 a), Saudi Arabia (Apel 1996), Qatar (Al-Khayat & Jones 1999), Iran (Pretzmann 1971). GULF OF OMAN: Iran (present study). Geographical distribution. Northwestern Indian Ocean: Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Pakistan, Arabian Sea coast of India.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A656D5455F90EF8F7B4FB57.taxon	materials_examined	Type Locality. Gulf of Aden. Material examined. PERSIAN GULF, Iran: 1 female (ovig.) (SMF 38446), rocky bed covered with algae, SW. of Qeshm, Qeshm I., 26 º 33 ' N, 56 º 15 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 15.02.2006; 2 males, 5 females (ovig.), 1 juv. (SMF 38447), rocky bed, Shib-Deraz, Qeshm I., 26 º 28 ' N, 56 º 05 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 16.02.2006; 1 male, 1 female (ovig.) (SMF 38448), rocky bed mixed with dead coral, Salakh, Qeshm I., 25 º 41 ' N, 55 º 53 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 17.02.2006; 6 males, 3 females (ovig.) (SMF 48449), rocky bed / cobble mixed with dead coral, 10 km E. of Salakh, Qeshm I., 26 º 40 ' N, 55 º 44 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 11.05.2008; 2 males (SMF 48450), stony getting muddy-sand in low-intertidal, NW. of Qeshm, Qeshm I., 26 º 58 ' N, 56 º 15 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 05.05.2008; 1 male, 1 female (SMF 48451), rocky bed, Shib-Deraz, Qeshm I., 26 º 41 ' N, 55 º 55 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 11.05.2008; 1 female (ovig.) (SMF 48452), rocky bed / cobble mixed with dead coral, 10 km E. Salakh, Qeshm I., 26 º 40 ' N, 55 º 44 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 11.05.2008; 2 females (SMF 48453), patchy rocky bed, W. coast, Qeshm I., 26 º 35 ' N, 55 º 16 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo & A. Kazemi, 11.05.2008. GULF OF ADEN, Djibouti: 1 female (SMF 17272), eulitoral, Plage de Triton, coll. A. Allspach, G. Fischer & M. Türkay, 18.03.1987. PACIFIC OCEAN, Japan: 1 male (SMF 25991) Minato-gawa, Okinawa-Ken, Ryukyu Islands, coll. J. Kitaura, 12.07.1998.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A656D5455F90EF8F7B4FB57.taxon	description	Redescription. Carapace subquadrate (Figs. 16 a, 18 a), about 1.2 times as broad as long, maximum breadth between second anterolateral teeth; posterior surface smooth, small granules sparsely over posterior surface; anterior half of carapace moderately elevated; curved frontal ridges slightly elevated, granular. Front 2 - lobed, lobes wide, slightly convex, separated by wide, deep median notch; frontal edge clearly longer than posterior edge of carapace. Inner orbital margins curved downward, completely separated from frontal lobes; elevated ridge extends obliquely from inner orbital margin towards frontal ridge; infraorbital margin with 3 interrupted lobes, median, lateral lobs granular; upper orbital margin is divided to 2 unequal lobes with hardly distinguishable fissure; margin of inner small lob smooth; margin of outer long lob obviously granular. Anterolateral margin with 3 teeth, first two of same size, large; last one smaller than formers; tip of teeth in large males quite blunt, white, in small specimens spiniform. Third maxillipeds (Fig. 16 d) with narrow gap between them, narrower in middle part; ischium smooth, about 3 / 2 as long as merus, narrowing proximally, inner margin elevated, long setae along inner margin; merus slightly broader than long, with prominently elevated margins, anterior margin nearly 2 - lobed, inner lobe rounded, outer lobe nearly straight. Stridulating strip of males (Fig. 16 c) with 4 parts: first one linear, regularly crenulated; second linear, massive, moderately rounded on anterior end, narrowing backwardly, reaching to anterior angle of first anterolateral tooth; third prominently rounded in anterior end, backwardly linear, reaching to anterior angle of second anterolateral tooth; fourth as large rounded tubercle. Stridulating strip of females linear, continuous, regularly crenulated, reaching to middle of first anterolateral tooth. Chelipeds of males (Fig. 16 b) large, usually subequal, smooth. Manus large, massive, as board as long; outer surface smooth, short row of small granulates longitudinally on other surface of unmovable finger; inner surface with patch of dense setae. Fingers slender, large gap between them, tips of fingers spooned, white-coloured; immovable finger curved upward distally, cutting edge without tooth; movable finger with large blunt tooth on middle point (in one of cheliped, left or right), variable amount of small teeth towards distal end. Walking legs slender, flattened; merus with small distal spine on outer surface, fourth walking legs (Fig. 16 e) with small distal spine on distal edge of carpus, dactylus with 4 – 6 distal spines on anterior surface, 1 or 2 median spines on posterior surface. G 1 (Fig. 16 f) straight over most of its length, relatively stout, approximately diagonal in cross section, gently curved in the proximal part, distal part very slightly swollen, tip brown, narrow, directed outward, with distal margin concave, surrounded by long setae; genital opening distal (Fig. 16 g).	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A656D5455F90EF8F7B4FB57.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The examined material agrees well with the description of Thalassograpsus given by Tweedie (1950), particularly in the particular shape of the orbito-frontal margin. It also agrees with the original description of the species by Hilgendorf (1892), as well as the features highlighted by Davie and Ng (2007). Tweedie (1950) cited that the external maxillipeds meet completely in the middle line leaving no gap between them, as this is one of the characteristics of the genus. This feature was also described for the type specimen. Davie and Ng (2007) noted that this character distinguishes this from other three subfamilies of Varunidae. A distinct linear gap is seen in the present material from the Persian Gulf. Such a narrow gap was also observed in the specimens from Japan, but the illustration given by Sakai (1939: 675, fig. 119 c) shows no gap, which may be an error. Nevertheless, this feature can be considered as characteristic of the subfamily and Thalassograpsus, as this gap is very distinct when compared with that of other varunid subfamilies.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A656D5455F90EF8F7B4FB57.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. This small-size species (largest male CL = 12.73 mm, CB = 15.04 mm, largest female CL = 9.11 mm CB = 10.92 mm) is primarily inhabitant of rocky shores, being found under small stones, dead corals and weedy habitats in shallow waters of the mid-intertidal. There is no information available on its life history. Colour. Thalassograpsus harpax is variable in colour, which matches its habitats, with the upper surface of the carapace varying from dark brown with a varying form of pale flecks to pale colour with brown specks. Chelipeds and walking legs have the same colour pattern of the carapace. The ventral surfaces and abdomen is generally light coloured. Regional records. PERSIAN GULF: Iran (present study). GULF OF OMAN: Oman (Hogarth 1994). Geographical distribution. Indo-West Pacific: Gulf of Aden, Oman (Dhofar), Persian Gulf, Cocos-Keeling Island, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Samoa.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A676D5055F908B8F115FE70.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. East Indies (Plagusia squamosa Herbst, 1790), Mauritius (P. tuberculata Lamarck, 1818), Indo- West Pacific (P. orientalis Stimpson, 1858). Material examined. GULF OF OMAN, Iran: 2 males (ZUTC Brach 1133), rocky / cobble, Ramin, Baluchestan, 25 º 16 ' N, 60 º 44 ' E, coll. R. Naderloo, 18.11.2005. UAE: 4 males, 6 females (SMF 26094) Abu Ahmad, Fujairah, 25 º 10 ' N, 56 º 28 ' E, coll. M. Apel, 0 2.07.1995. ARABIAN SEA: Oman: 1 male, 1 female (SMF 26093), Ras Madrakah, 18 º 58.6 ' N, 134 º 10.6 ' E, rocky, coll. M. Apel, 02.01.2001 (labelled as P. tuberculata). Red Sea: 1 female (SMF 5394), (labelled as P. squamosa). INDIAN OCEAN, Kenya: 1 female (SMF 37730), Kilifi, coll. Baumeister, Dec. 1985 (labelled as P. tuberculata). PACIFIC OCEAN, Japan: 2 males (SMF 35354), Kochi, 33 º 16.6 ' N, 134 º 10.6 ' E, coll. K. Matsuzawa, 22.05.1990, (labelled as P. tuberculata); 3 males, 1 female (SMF 35355), 33 º 16.6 ' N, 134 º 10.6 ' E, coll. K. Matsuzawa (labelled as P. tuberculata). Taiwan: 1 female (SMF 26093), Pingdong, coll. H. - C. Liu, 0 1.02.1999 (labelled as P. squamosa).	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A676D5055F908B8F115FE70.taxon	description	Redescription. Carapace subcircular (Figs. 17 a, 18 e), slightly broader than long, about 1.06 times as broad as long, maximum breadth slightly behind middle part of carapace; carapace moderately convex; granule-shaped tubercles over carapace, posteriorly getting flattened, short setae densely surrounding anterior margin of tubercles; 2 faint oblique ridges on posterolateral regions of carapace, short one in front of them. Lateral margin of carapace arched; 4 anterolateral teeth (including exorbital tooth), sharply triangular, widely separated from each other, smaller posteriorly. Frontal lobe separated from inner orbital angle by deep U-shaped notch, with margin weekly granular; 2 distinctly high granules on frontal region; deep furrow running from anterior part of frontal lobe posteriorly, distinctly dividing frontal lobe. Orbits deep, supraorbital margin elevated, distinct notch separating inner margin from lateral margin, large granule on anterior part of inner margin; inferorbital margin elongately triangular in inner part, few small granules on outer part; eyestalks short, widen proximally, depressed medially; dense setae on anterior surface of depression, continuing distally to end of cornea. Epistome with 7 truncated lobes, median one largest. Third maxilliped nearly long, ischium about two times as long as merus; dense brown setae along inner margin of ischium, merus, row of short setae on outer surface of ischium running along proximal two-thirds of inner margin; narrow longitudinal furrow medially along outer surface of ischium; wide depression on outer surface of merus, widening distally; exopod not reaching to middle part of merus. Chelipeds subequal, relatively small compared to walking legs; row of short setae along inner surface of ischium, continuing to inner surface of merus. Merus with distinct distal spine on upper margin; inner margin with small granules, with large distal one; distal margin with 2 or 3 large teeth. Carpus granular on outer surface, with 4 curved furrows, covered with short dense setae; large triangular tooth medially on inner margin. Manus (Fig. 17 b) granular over much of its surface; outer surface with low granules, 3 weak rows of granules along middle part; lower margin with relatively larger granules; upper margin with 4 rows of large granules, inner row with toothshaped granules, furrows with dense short setae; inner surface medially swollen, large granules over most of inner surface. Movable finger curved downward, large granules proximally on upper, inner surface; 2 furrows with short setae. Movable finger short, with few small granules on lower margin; cutting edge of finger with large truncate teeth, smaller distally; small gap between fingers; tips of fingers spoon-shaped. Walking legs relatively long, moderately flattened. Merus posterior surface with transverse ridges, dense covered with short setae; longitudinal row of small denticles near anterior margin, denticles larger distally; rows of dense setae along upper surface, setae sparse on first walking leg; anterior margin of merus with relatively long setae, with large subdistal spine; long ridge near posterior margin, with long setae as on inner margin; merus of third leg about 2 times as long as broad. Carpus with 2 rows of long setae on upper surface, with row of short setae between them. Propodus slightly longer than carpus, with row of dense long setae along anterior margin, 2 rows of short setae on posterior surface, one row of short setae along anterior surface. Dactylus with row of long setae on posterior surface near anterior margin; 2 rows of about 5 spines along posterior margin; dactylus ending with large spine. Male abdomen (Fig. 17 c) triangular; fifth somite longest, slightly longer than sixth, sixth with lateral margin converging distally, slightly sharply converging on distal two-thirds; telson clearly triangular, strongly converging on distal half. G 1 (Fig. 17 d) moderately stout, nearly straight; slightly tapering distally; sperm channel spiral; apical chitinous process (Fig. 17 e) small, directed outwards at 60 º angle, apically V-shaped; gonopore terminal; smooth setae densely around apical part, fully obscuring chitinous process. Female gonopore (Fig. 17 f) on tip of markedly elevated part, transversely on anterior face of elevation.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A676D5055F908B8F115FE70.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The taxonomic history of Plagusia is intricate. A detailed taxonomic history of the genus was given by Schubart & Ng (2000) and Schubart et al. (2001). Schubart & Ng (2000) regarded the type specimen of P. squamosa (Herbst, 1818) in the Berlin Zoological Museum, which had been photographed by Sakai (1999: fig. 21 C) as the senior synonym of P. tuberculata Lamarck, 1818. Ng et al. (2008) followed Schubart & Ng (2000). Material of P. tuberculata and M. squamosa from different Indo-West Pacific locations deposited in SMF (see Material Examined) using mainly the features of G 1 and female gonopore was examined. All specimens belong to the same species, therefore the synonymy of these three species by Schubart & Ng (2000), with priority given to P. squamosa (Herbst, 1790) is followed.	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
03AACA4C4A676D5055F908B8F115FE70.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Plagusia squamosa is a medium-size species (largest male CL = 32.48 mm, CB = 34.72 mm, largest female CL = 38.30 mm, CB = 39.20 mm) which is common in the Gulf of Oman where large populations are found on the splash zone of exposed rocky shores. It is sympatric with G. albolineatus in this habitat. Plagusia squamosa can also be seen clinging on drifting debris, oil platforms, buoys and ship hulls, which explains the species wide distribution by anthropogenic activities (see Schubart et al. 2001). Colour. Posterior surface of the carapace and appendages is light brown, inferior surface bright. Tips of the fingers and distal part of the walking legs dactylus are bright brown. Regional records. GULF OF OMAN: east coast of UAE (Apel 2001); Iran (present study). There is no record from the Persian Gulf. Geographical distribution. Indo-West Pacific: South Africa, Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, East Africa, Somalia, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Oman, Gulf of Oman, Pakistan, India, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and recently from Mediterranean by Zaouali et al. (2007) and eastern Pacific by Castro (2011).	en	Naderloo, Reza (2011): Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Zootaxa 3048: 1-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.205387
