Clarification note on taxonomic identification of Atergatis ocyroe (Herbst, 1801) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Xanthidae): New distributional record from the Port Blair coast, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India

Abstract

A survey was conducted to study the distribution of brachyuran crabs along the coast of south Andaman Island during 2015-2018. The investigation confirmed the occurrence of <em>Atergatis ocyroe </em>(Herbst, 1801) from the Port Blair Coast of Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands, India. From a comprehensive study of standard literature, it was evident that <em>A. ocyroe </em>was misidentified as <em>A. floridus </em>and these two species do not co-exist in the same geographical area. Hence, the existence of <em>A. floridus </em>in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is doubtful. The confirmed distributional record of <em>A. ocyroe </em>across the Indian Ocean is provided and discussed with its taxonomy, and detailed description along with photograph and line diagram is provided in this study.