 |
| Gaillardiellus magiruber Yuan, Jiang & Sha, 2025 |
Abstract
A new xanthid species of Gaillardiellus Guinot, 1976, is described from the coral reefs of the Xisha and Nansha Islands in the South China Sea. The new species, Gaillardiellus magiruber sp. nov., closely resembles G. rueppellii (Krauss, 1843) but can be distinguished mainly by its closer proximity of the outer orbital angle and anterolateral margin, which lacks an accessory lobe, a broader and non-protruding front, and notable differences in live coloration and size. Molecular analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences further corroborates the validity of this new species. An updated identification key for Gaillardiellus is provided.
Key words: Actaeinae, COI, Gaillardiellus, identification key, morphology, new species, rock crabs, taxonomy
 |
| Gaillardiellus magiruber sp. nov., male holotype (5.9 × 4.4 mm) (MBM288133) A dorsal view of cephalothorax B pleon and telson C outer view of right cheliped D right pereiopod 5 E right third maxilliped F dorsal view of left G1 distal part G ventral view of left G1 distal part H dorsal view of left G2 I ventral view of left G2 J dorsal view of left G1 K ventral view of left G1. Scale bars: 1 mm (A–E); 0.2 mm (F, G); 0.5 mm (H–K). |
 |
| Gaillardiellus magiruber sp. nov., male holotype (5.9 × 4.4 mm) (MBM288133) A overall dorsal view B dorsal view of cephalothorax C frontal view of cephalothorax D thoracic sternites, pleon and telson E outer view of chelipeds. Scale bar: 1 mm. |
 |
| Gaillardiellus magiruber sp. nov., live coloration A, B female paratype (9.8 × 7.1 mm) (MBM288134) C female paratype (5.7 × 4.2 mm) (MBM288135). Scale bar: 5 mm. |
Gaillardiellus magiruber sp. nov.
Diagnosis. Carapace (Figs 1A, B, 2A, 3A, B, 4A, B) transversely oval, regions clearly defined, short setae present within grooves and between granules, long setae scattered between granules; front not protruding, slightly curved downwards, divided into 2 lobes by broad V-shaped notch; anterolateral margin divided into 4 granular lobes, first lobe small, slightly larger than outer orbital angle, adjacent to latter; posterolateral margin shorter than anterolateral margin, distinctly concave. Thoracic sternum (Figs 1D, 3D) with low granules, sternites 1 to 4 covered with soft setae. Male pleonite 6 (Figs 1D, 2B) with expanded lateral distal angles, wider than long; telson wider than long, terminal end blunt. G1 (Fig. 2F, G, J, K) curved outwards, distal third with small spines, long setae near distal end, terminal lobe slender. Orange-red to vibrant bright red in life (Fig. 5).
Etymology. The new species is named after the fiery Stand “Magician’s Red” from the manga “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure”, wielded by the character Muhammad Avdol. This name alludes to the species’ changing flame-like red coloration.
YUAN Ziming, JIANG Wei and SHA Zhongli. 2025. A New Species of Gaillardiellus Guinot, 1976 (Crustacea, Brachyura, Xanthidae) from the coral reefs of the South China Sea. ZooKeys. 1234: 1-17. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1234.144026
