Alpheus macellarius Chace, 1988

(Fig. 4)

Alpheus macellarius Chace, 1988: 35, figs. 6, 7; Palomar et al. 2004: 1199; Palomar et al. 2005: 173; Nacorda 2008: 15; Holmer & Heilskov 2008: 658.

Material examined. Indonesia. 1 female (MZB Cru 4036), southern Lombok, Teluk Sekotong, seagrass flat, burrow, suction pump and digging/sieving, 0.2–0.5 m, leg. D.L. Rahayu et al., 14 May 2014 [LB-St6-04]; 1 male (RMNH. CRUS.D.56734), same collection data [LB-St6-27]; 1 female (OUMNH.ZC. 2014-10-01), western Lombok, Sira, seagrass flat with some muddy areas, burrow, suction pump and digging/sieving, 0.2–0.5 m, leg. D.L. Rahayu et al., 13 May 2014 [LB-St4-12].

Taxonomic account. See Chace (1988).

Habitat. Seagrass flats, sometimes mixed with coral rubble or muddier areas, in burrows with gobies ( Cryptocentrus spp.). Depth range: lower intertidal to about 5 m.

Distribution. Indo-West Pacific: Philippines and Indonesia (first record) (Chace 1988; present study).

Remarks. Alpheus macellarius is closely related to the common and widespread A. rapax Fabricius, 1798, from which it can be distinguished by the non-gaping fingers of the minor chela (Chace 1988) and a different colour pattern (Fig. 4). Alpheus macellarius is probably common in seagrass habitats throughout Indonesia and will certainly be reported from other localities in the near future.