Abstract:
A new species of the commensal pontoniine shrimp genus Periclimenaeus, P. nufu, new
species, was found in samples from dead coral habitats in shallow Vietnamese waters (Van Phong Bay)
of the South China Sea. The new species is placed in the Periclimenaeus robustus species group, with a
characteristic anteromedian rounded lobe on the fi rst abdominal tergite. It is readily distinguishable from
most species of the genus by the unique shape of the widely ovate uropodal exopods; their distolateral
margins and unusually rounded distolateral angles are distinctly serrate. Other remarkable features are the
produced, movable anterovental angle of the carapace, ambulatory dactyli with long and slender unguis,
and with a markedly reduced additional unguis. The true host of the single specimen available, assumed to
be an encrusting sponge, is unknown. The new species is described and illustrated, and a key to distinguish related species is proposed.
