Work

Brachyuran and anomuran Decapoda of the Emperor Seamounts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The bathyal areas in the Emperor Seamount Chain (North Pacific) were investigated during two expeditions of the RV Akademik M.A. Lavrentyev in 2019 and 2021. Over 60 crustacean specimens, including true crabs, king crabs, and squat lobsters, were collected and more than 70 h of video data recorded. We present first information on the composition and distribution of deep-sea decapods (Brachyura and Anomura) of the Emperor Chain obtained with a remote operated vehicle. First data on the squat lobster (Chirostyloidea, Galatheoidea) fauna from the Emperor Seamounts are provided. The known geographic range of Macroregonia macrochira is broadened. The depth range of Chaceon imperialis was expanded and found to be bimodal. We have identified a species of king crab ( Neolithodes bronwynae ) previously unknown in the North Pacific. Overall, the diversity in the Emperor Seamount Chain region shows a relatively high level of endemism and a presence of species previously known from distant regions, suggesting that further biogeographical studies of the region and surrounding areas may elucidate migration routes.

Source: Deep Sea Research Part II Topical Studies in Oceanography

DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr2.2025.105501

Authors: Evgeniia Egorova, Tatiana Dautova

Institutions: Russian Academy of Sciences, A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Marine Biology and Ecology Research

Subfield: Oceanography

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,760