The mitochondrial genome of Bottapotamon fukienense (Brachiura: Potamidae) is fragmented into two chromosomes.

BACKGROUND: China is the hotspot of global freshwater crab diversity, but their wild populations are facing severe pressures associated with anthropogenic factors, necessitating the need to map their taxonomic and genetic diversity and design conservation policies. RESULTS: Herein, we sequenced the mitochondrial genome of a Chinese freshwater crab species Bottapotamon fukienense, and found that it is fragmented into two chromosomes. We confirmed that fragmentation was not limited to a single specimen or population. Chromosome 1 comprised 15,111 base pairs (bp) and there were 26 genes and one pseudogene (pseudo-nad1) encoded on it. Chromosome 2 comprised 8,173 bp and there were 12 genes and two pseudogenes (pseudo-trnL2 and pseudo-rrnL) encoded on it. Combined, they comprise the largest mitogenome (23,284 bp) among the Potamidae. Bottapotamon was the only genus in the Potamidae dataset exhibiting rearrangements of protein-coding genes. Bottapotamon fukienense exhibited average rates of sequence evolution in the dataset and did not differ in selection pressures from the remaining Potamidae. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first experimentally confirmed fragmentation of a mitogenome in crustaceans. While the mitogenome of B. fukienense exhibited multiple signs of elevated mitogenomic architecture evolution rates, including the exceptionally large size, duplicated genes, pseudogenisation, rearrangements of protein-coding genes, and fragmentation, there is no evidence that this is matched by elevated sequence evolutionary rates or changes in selection pressures.

Temnosewellia aff. vietnamensis (Platyhelminthes: Rhabdocoela: Temnocephalidae) associated with freshwater crabs from Kagoshima, southern Japan, with review of records of the genus from East to South Asian countries.

Temnocephalids are ectosymbionts of various freshwater animals. A species tentatively identified as Temnosewellia aff. vietnamensis (Platyhelminthes: Rhabdocoela: Temnocephalidae) is reported based on materials collected from the body surface of the freshwater crabs Eriocheir japonica (Brachyura: Varunidae) and Geothelphusa exigua (Potamidae) in Kagoshima, southern Japan. The temnocephalid is characterized as follows: the cirrus composed of a cone-shaped shaft and a cylindrical introvert 42-77 µm long; the introvert covered with approximately 30 vertical rows of fine sharp spines; the four seminal receptacles; and a long, curved oviduct with vaginal gland; a pair of gland cells (Haswell's cells) present anterior to the excretory ampullae. Bayesian inference trees using partial nuclear 28S rDNA (28S) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes supported that the specimens collected from both crab species are conspecific but these also showed the geographical variations among them on both 28S and COI. The previous records of the genus Temnosewellia in East to South Asian countries are assembled and shown on the map (fig.7, this paper).

Phylogenomic analyses of brachyuran crabs support early divergence of primary freshwater crabs.

Recent fossil calibrated molecular phylogenies have revealed that the Brachyura underwent rapid radiation during the Cretaceous and Early Tertiary, resulting in many early diverging lineages separated by short internodes that remain difficult to resolve. Here we present the first phylogenomic analyses of Brachyura using transcriptome data from 30 brachyuran species and 22 families. Analyses were carried out on a dataset containing 372 putative homologous loci (246,590 bps) and included data from 21 newly generated transcriptomes. With minor exceptions, all phylogenetic analyses recovered a congruent, highly resolved and well supported brachyuran phylogeny. Consistent with previous work, this phylogeny suggests that primary freshwater crabs diverged early in brachyuran evolution, falling sister to Thoracotremata, thus supporting recent proposal for establishment of subsection Potamoida for primary freshwater crabs. The interfamilial relationships among heterotremes were well resolved in our analyses but those within Thoracotremata remained problematic. Phylogenomic analyses clearly provide a powerful means for resolving brachyuran relationships, but future studies would benefit greatly from increased taxon sampling of transcriptome data.

Crab-fishing by chimpanzees in the Nimba Mountains, Guinea.

The significance of aquatic food resources for hominins is poorly understood, despite evidence of consumption as early as 1.95 million years ago (Ma). Here we present the first evidence of a non-human ape habitually catching and consuming aquatic crabs. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in the rainforest of the Nimba Mountains (Guinea) consumed freshwater crabs year-round, irrespective of rainfall or ripe fruit availability. Parties of females and offspring fished for crabs more than predicted and for longer durations than adult males. Across months, crab-fishing was negatively correlated with ant-dipping, suggesting a similar nutritional role. These findings contribute to our understanding of aquatic faunivory among hominins. First, aquatic faunivory can occur in closed forests in addition to open wetlands. Second, aquatic fauna could have been a staple part of some hominin diets, rather than merely a fallback food. Third, the habitual consumption of aquatic fauna could have been especially important for females and their immature offspring. In addition to providing small amounts of essential fatty acids, crabs might also be eaten for their micronutrients such as sodium and calcium, especially by females and young individuals who may have limited access to meat.

Toward reassessing data-deficient species.

One in 6 species (13,465 species) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is classified as data deficient due to lack of information on their taxonomy, population status, or impact of threats. Despite the chance that many are at high risk of extinction, data-deficient species are typically excluded from global and local conservation priorities, as well as funding schemes. The number of data-deficient species will greatly increase as the IUCN Red List becomes more inclusive of poorly known and speciose groups. A strategic approach is urgently needed to enhance the conservation value of data-deficient assessments. To develop this, we reviewed 2879 data-deficient assessments in 6 animal groups and identified 8 main justifications for assigning data-deficient status (type series, few records, old records, uncertain provenance, uncertain population status or distribution, uncertain threats, taxonomic uncertainty, and new species). Assigning a consistent set of justification tags (i.e., consistent assignment to assessment justifications) to species classified as data deficient is a simple way to achieve more strategic assessments. Such tags would clarify the causes of data deficiency; facilitate the prediction of extinction risk; facilitate comparisons of data deficiency among taxonomic groups; and help prioritize species for reassessment. With renewed efforts, it could be straightforward to prevent thousands of data-deficient species slipping unnoticed toward extinction.

Inactivation of Paragonimus westermani metacercariae in soy sauce-marinated and frozen freshwater crabs.

Soy sauce-marinated freshwater crabs (Eriocheir japonicus) are a source of human paragonimiasis. The viability of Paragonimus westermani metacercariae (PwMc) in marinated crabs was investigated in an experimental setting. The PwMc collected from freshwater crayfish were inoculated into freshwater crabs, which were then frozen or marinated in soy sauce. All PwMc in the freshwater crabs were inactivated after freezing for 48 h at -20 °C and after freezing for 12 h at -40 °C. After marinating for 32 days, the survival rate of PwMc in 5% NaCl soy sauce was 50%, in 7.5% NaCl soy sauce it was 33.3%, and in 10.0% NaCl soy sauce it was 31.3%. When marinated for 64 days, all PwMc were inactivated in all experimental groups. These results revealed that freezing and soy sauce marination were detrimental to the survival of PwMc in freshwater crabs. Specifically, freezing crabs for more than 48 h or soaking them in soy sauce containing at least 5.0% NaCl for 64 days can inactivate PwMc. These results can inform the production of the traditional Korean soy sauce-marinated freshwater crabs known as gejang.

Evolutionary history of true crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) and the origin of freshwater crabs.

Crabs of the infra-order Brachyura are one of the most diverse groups of crustaceans with approximately 7,000 described species in 98 families, occurring in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats. The relationships among the brachyuran families are poorly understood due to the high morphological complexity of the group. Here, we reconstruct the most comprehensive phylogeny of Brachyura to date using sequence data of six nuclear protein-coding genes and two mitochondrial rRNA genes from more than 140 species belonging to 58 families. The gene tree confirms that the "Podotremata," are paraphyletic. Within the monophyletic Eubrachyura, the reciprocal monophyly of the two subsections, Heterotremata and Thoracotremata, is supported. Monophyly of many superfamilies, however, is not recovered, indicating the prevalence of morphological convergence and the need for further taxonomic studies. Freshwater crabs were derived early in the evolution of Eubrachyura and are shown to have at least two independent origins. Bayesian relaxed molecular methods estimate that freshwater crabs separated from their closest marine sister taxa ~135 Ma, that is, after the break up of Pangaea (∼200 Ma) and that a Gondwanan origin of these freshwater representatives is untenable. Most extant families and superfamilies arose during the late Cretaceous and early Tertiary.

The systematic position of Cryptopotamonanacoluthon (Kemp, 1918), with the description of a new species of Sinolapotamon Tai & Sung, 1975 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Potamidae) from southern China.

The systematics of the potamid freshwater crab Cryptopotamonanacoluthon (Kemp, 1918) is clarified, and its generic position in Sinolapotamon Tai & Sung, 1975, is confirmed based on morphological comparisons, geographical information and phylogenetic analyses. A new species of Sinolapotamon, Sinolapotamoncirratumsp. nov. is described from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. Sinolapotamoncirratumsp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of characters of its carapace, third maxilliped, anterolateral margin, and unique male first gonopod. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial COX1, 16S rRNA and 28S rRNA genes also support the species as new.

Preliminary assessment of genetic variation in the Japanese endemic freshwater crab, Geothelphusadehaani, based on mitochondrial DNA sequences.

Geothelphusadehaani, a freshwater crab species endemic to Japan, has the largest distribution range amongst the 19 known species in the country. Due to its low dispersal capability and restricted habitat to freshwater, it serves as an excellent model for understanding gene flow between geographically isolated populations. In this study, we analysed the genetic relationships of 26 G.dehaani populations collected from different locations in the Japanese archipelago using two mitochondrial DNA regions - cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytB). Our results from the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed high genetic variation amongst populations and the phylogenetic analysis identified four geographical groups: Clade I - Honshu and Shikoku, Clade II - north-eastern Kyushu, Clade III - southern Kyushu and Clade IV - north-western Kyushu. Notably, Clade IV exhibited the highest genetic distance amongst the observed groupings. These findings highlight the need for further examination of G.dehaani in Kyushu, including morphological and behavioural traits, to better understand the observed diversity within the species in the region.

A new species of the genus Fredius Pretzmann, 1967 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae) from Brazil, with comments on the southerly distribution of the family.

A new species of pseudothelphusid crab of the tribe Kingsleyini Ortmann, 1897, from the southern Amazon region in the state of Rondônia, Brazil, is described and illustrated. Fredius avilai n. sp. can be readily distinguished from its congeners by the following characters of the male first gonopod: mesial lobe elongated, convoluted, proximal portion directed laterally, distal portion sharply recurved in abdominal direction; marginal process rounded, not projected over distal opening of spermatic channel, merging with distal portion of abdominal surface after a shallow depression; lateral suture well demarcated along mesoabdominal surface of stem, distal portion directed inwards. The assignment of the new species to the genus Fredius Pretzmann, 1967 and its affinities with another closed related species are discussed.

Bioregionalisation of the freshwater zoogeographical areas of mainland China.

Biogeographic regionalisations extract patterns of co-occurrence from different taxa to form a hierarchical system of geographical units of different scales. This system is useful for revealing biogeographic patterns and can be used as the basis for scientific communication between different fields. The history of Chinese freshwater biogeography is not well known to most modern biogeographers and is reviewed herein. We produce the first quantitative bioregionalisation of the freshwater zoogeographic areas of mainland China based on multiple animal groups. The combined occurrence data of amphibians, freshwater fish and freshwater crabs were subjected to cluster and network analyses. The two different methods yielded largely similar results. We propose four freshwater zoogeographical subregions (Beifang, Tarim, China, and the Tibetan subregion), three dominions for the China subregion (Jianghuai, Dongyang, and the new Dian dominion), three provinces for the Dian dominion (West Hengduan, Diannan Highlands and the new Yungui Plateau province) and two provinces for the Dongyang dominion (Zhemin and the new Huanan province) according to the naming rules of ICAN. The endemic areas of each animal group were then individually studied and were found to reflect the bioregionalisation at the subregion level, but differed from each other at the dominion and province level. Our analyses show that: (1) previous intuitive biogeographical studies have found similar areas; (2) there are recurring large scale biogeographic patterns in Chinese freshwater fishes, amphibians and freshwater crabs; and (3) bioregionalisations derived from quantitative methods can be effective for partitioning areas into biogeographically meaningful units.

A New Genus and Two New Species of Freshwater Crab (Crustacea: Brachyura: Potamidae) with Unusual Coiled Tip of Male Second Gonopods from Yunnan, Southwestern China.

Two new species of a new genus, Tortomon puer n. gen. n. sp. and T. gejiu n. gen. n. sp. are described from southern Yunnan, southwestern China, based on the morphology and mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences. The new genus resembles Tenuipotamon Dai, 1990 and Parvuspotamon Dai & Bo, 1994, but can be separated by characters of the male thoracic sternum, male pleon, male first gonopod, and especially the coiled tip of the male second gonopod. The latter character easily separates Tortomon n. gen. from known potamid genera. Notes on the general biology of the two new species are also included.

Phylogeography of Potamon ibericum (Brachyura: Potamidae) identifies Quaternary glacial refugia within the Caucasus biodiversity hot spot.

Refugia are critical for the maintenance of biodiversity during the periods of Quaternary climatic oscillations. The long-term persistence of refugial populations in a large continuous refugium has resulted in a homogenous pattern of genetic structure among populations, while highly structured evolutionary lineages characterize the restriction of refugial populations to smaller subrefugia. These mechanisms have resulted in the identification of hot spots of biodiversity within putative glacial refugia. We studied phylogeography of Potamon ibericum (Brachyura: Potamidae) in the drainages of the western Caucasus biodiversity hot spot (i.e., Colchis and the Caucasus) to infer spatial genetic structure and potential refugia for a freshwater crab in this region. These areas have traditionally considered as a refugium due to the presence of Tertiary relict species. We integrated population genetic data and historical demographic analysis from cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences and paleoclimatic data from species distribution modeling (SDM). The results revealed the lack of phylogeographic structure and provided evidence for demographic expansion. The SDM presented a rather homogenous and large refugium that extended from northeast Turkey to Colchis during the last glacial period. In contrast to these findings, previous phylogeographic study on P. ibericum of the eastern Caucasus biodiversity hot spot (i.e., Hyrcania) identified multiple independent refugia. By combining these results, we explain the significance of this important western Palearctic hot spot of biological diversity in shaping the geographic distribution of intraspecific genetic diversity in a freshwater taxon.

The freshwater crabs of Macau, with the description of a new species of Nanhaipotamon Bott, 1968 and the redescription of Nanhaipotamonwupingense Cheng, Yang, Zhong & Li, 2003 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Potamidae).

Four species of freshwater crabs from three genera and two families (Cantopotamonhengqinense Huang, Ahyong & Shih, 2017, Nanhaipotamonguangdongense Dai, 1997, Nanhaipotamonmacau sp. n., and Somanniathelphusazanklon Ng & Dudgeon, 1992) are documented from Macau for the first time. One new species, Nanhaipotamonmacau sp. n., is described. The large flap on the male first gonopod terminal segment sets it apart from all other known congeners except N.wupingense Cheng, Yang, Zhong & Li, 2003, from Fujian. Characters of the carapace, male first gonopod and size, however, clearly differentiate these two species. Preliminary genetic studies also suggest that the two are not closely related. A neotype is designated for N.wupingense. The taxonomic status of Nanhaipotamonguangdongense is also discussed. Notes on the general biology and conservation status of these crabs are also included.

A comparative study of the gastric ossicles of Trichodactylidae crabs (Brachyura: Decapoda) with comments on the role of diet and phylogeny in shaping morphological traits.

The gastric armature of decapod foregut is a feeding structure that sparks controversial debates about the role dietary and historical components have in shaping its morphological traits. Having previous information about the natural diet is an interesting way to gather evidence on this issue. For the present study, we analyzed the morphological traits of gastric ossicles involved directly in the maceration of food in nine species of freshwater crabs of the family Trichodactylidae (Brachyura: Decapoda) representing five genera, three tribes and two subfamilies. The analyzed gastric ossicles were quite consistent among closely related species, suggesting that the observed traits had a clear phylogenetic component. However, it was also noted that the morphological traits of the gastric teeth of trichodactylid crabs match well with the natural diet and presented likeness with general features of other species with a similar trophic habit. We discuss the influence of phylogeny and function on the design of morphological traits and propose to quantify the role of phylogeny and function in shaping morphological traits through the analysis of phylogenetic signals.

Yuebeipotamon calciatile, a new genus and new species of freshwater crab from southern China (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Potamidae).

A new genus and species of freshwater crab, Yuebeipotamon calciatile gen. n., sp. n., is described from southern China. While the carapace features are superficially similar to species of Sinopotamon Bott, 1967, Longpotamon Shih, Huang & Ng, 2016, and Tenuilapotamon Dai, Song, Li, Chen, Wang & Hu, 1984, the new genus possesses a distinctive combination of carapace, ambulatory leg, male thoracic sternal, male abdominal, and gonopodal characters that distinguish it from these and other genera. Molecular evidence derived from the mitochondrial 16S rDNA supports the establishment of a new genus.

Propuesta de sinonimia para las especies de cangrejo dulceacuícola Hypolobocera solimani e Hypolobocera triangula de Colombia

A proposal to synonymize the freshwater crab species Hypolobocera solimani and Hypolobocera triangula from Colombia. It is proposed that Hypolobocera solimani and H. triangula be considered junior synonyms of H. alata and H. rotundilobata, respectively. We state that the following morphological differences represent natural variations within the population: a) first male gonopod, third maxilliped and larger cheliped between H. alata and H. solimani, and b) the differences of the first male gonopod between H. rotundilobata and H. triangula. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (3): 987-994. Epub 2008 September 30.

Se propone considerar las especies H. solimani e H. triangula como sinónimos de H. alata e H. rotundilobata, respectivamente. Se afirma que las diferencias morfológicas a) del primer gonopodo, del tercer maxilipedo y de la quela mayor entre H. alata e H. solimani y b) las diferencias del primer gonopodo entre H. rotundilobata e H. triangula, no son significativas y se originan en variaciones naturales propias de las poblaciones.

Assessment of the decapod crustacean diversity in the Guayana Shield region aiming at conservation decisions / Avaliação da diversidade de crustáceos decápodos na região do escudo das Guianas como subsídio a decisões de conservação

The current state of knowledge of freshwater decapod crustacean diversity of the Guayana Shield Region is briefly assessed, based upon information gathered from the scientific literature as well as unpublished data from academic theses, technical reports, and carcinological collections. The decapod fauna of the region is presently known to include 64 species and subspecies within six families and 17 genera. Diversity by countries, basins, and rivers is listed, comments on endemic, rare or threatened species are made, and information about relevant taxonomic literature is presented. Seven priority areas for conservation actions concerning crustacean decapods are suggested and related to the 25 priority areas defined by the Fishes and Freshwater Working Group at the Guayana Shield Conservation Priority Setting Workshop, held at Paramaribo (Suriname) in April 2002.

Avalia-se resumidamente a situação atual do conhecimento sobre a diversidade dos crustáceos decápodos de água doce da região do Escudo das Guianas com base em informações obtidas da literatura científica e dados inéditos de trabalhos acadêmicos, relatórios técnicos e coleções carcinológicas. A fauna de decápodos da região está atualmente constituída por 64 espécies e subespécies em seis famílias e 17 gêneros. Relaciona-se a diversidade por país, bacias e rios, faz-se comentários sobre espécies endêmicas, raras ou ameaçadas, e apresenta-se informações sobre a literatura taxonômica relevante de cada grupo. Em relação aos crustáceos decápodos, sugere-se sete áreas prioritárias para ações conservacionistas e relaciona-se essas áreas com as 25 áreas prioritárias definidas pelo Grupo de Trabalho em Peixes e Organismos Dulcícolas no "Guayana Shield Conservation Priority Setting Workshop", realizado em Paramaribo (Suriname), em abril de 2002.

Dos nuevas especies de cangrejos de agua dulce (Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae) de la Serranía de Los Paraguas, Cordillera Occidental de Colombia / Two new species of fresh water crab (Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae) from Serranía de Los Paraguas, Cordillera Occidental, Colombia

Two new species of freshwater crabs of the genus Hypolobocera from Serranía de Los Paraguas, Cordillera Occidental, Colombia, are described. Hypolobocera solimani n. sp. is closely related to H. alata Campos 1989, but can be distinguished from it by smooth upper margin of third maxilliped merus, the size and shape of apex of first gonopod, and the internal lobe or papilla of spermatic channel, which is concave, raised, with ends with minute papillae or rounded tubercles. Hypolobocera triangula n. sp. is very similar to H. rotundilobata Rodríguez 1994, but differs from it by the shape and size of the lateral lobe, an oblique basal ridge of tubercles and by the apex of first gonopod. With the two new species, the total number of valid members of the genus Hypolobocera known from western Colombia or biogeographic Chocó is 20.

Se describen dos nuevas especies de cangrejos de agua dulce del género Hypolobocera de la Serranía de Los Paraguas, Cordillera Occidental de Colombia. H. solimani n. sp. está estrechamente relacionada con H. alata Campos 1989, pero se puede distinguir de ésta por el margen superior del mero del tercer maxilípedo, el cual es liso; por la forma del ápice del primer gonópodo y la forma del lóbulo interno o papila del canal espermático, la cual es cóncava, levantada y termina bordeada por diminutas papilas o tubérculos redondeados. H. triangula n. sp. es muy similar a H. rotundilobata Rodríguez 1994, pero se diferencia de ésta por el tamaño y la forma del lóbulo lateral, una cresta basal de tubérculos y la superficie apical del gonópodo. Con estas dos nuevas descripciones se incrementa a 20 el número de miembros válidos del género Hypolobocera conocidos del occidente de Colombia o del Chocó biogeográfico.

The systematic and biogeographical status of Fredius reflexifrons (Ortmann, 1897) and Fredius fittkaui (Bott, 1967) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae) from the Amazon and Atlantic Guianas River basins

There is considerable confusion in the literature regarding the systematic position and distribution of two pseudothelphusid crabs originally described as Potamocarcinus reflexifrons Ortmann, 1897 and Potamocarcinus reflexifrons fittkaui Bott, 1967, and now included in the genus Fredius Pretzman, 1965, as F. reflexifrons and F. fittkaui. Study of numerous specimens from recent collections, together with a critical analysis of the data published in the literature, shows that both taxa could be easily separated by gonopodal characters. The two species occupy discrete areas of distribution along the main axis of the Amazon River and in the upper Rio Negro Basin, respectively, with an overlap in the Atlantic Guianas. It is postulated that they originated from a common ancestor, through a process of vicariance, in the two areas observed at present. Permeability of barriers allowed their further occupancy of the Atlantic Guianas after the marine regressions in this area.

Há uma considerável confusão na literatura a respeito da posição sistemática e distribuição de duas espécies de caranguejos pseudotelfusídeos originalmente descritos como Potamocarcinus reflexifrons Ortmann, 1897 e Potamocarcinus reflexifrons fittkaui Bott, 1967, atualmente incluídos no gênero Fredius Pretzmann, 1965 como F. reflexifrons e F. fittkaui. O estudo de numerosos espécimes obtidos em coletas recentes, complementado por uma análise crítica dos dados publicados na literatura, mostra que ambos os taxa podem ser facilmente separados por caracteres do gonópodo. As duas espécies ocupam áreas de distribuição distintas ao longo do eixo principal do rio Amazonas e no alto rio Negro, respectivamente, com uma sobreposição na região das Guianas. Postula-se que essas espécies se originaram de um ancestral comum, por meio de um processo de vicariância, nas duas áreas observadas atualmente. A permeabilidade das barreiras permitiu uma posterior distribuição na região das Guianas após as regressões marinhas ocorridas naquela área.