taxonID	type	description	language	source
03C13C01FB353944189EFBFBFF419346.taxon	description	(Fig. 1)	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB353944189EFBFBFF419346.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. South Africa, 27 ° 02 ’ 24.00 ” S, 32 ° 54 ’ 54.00 ” E, 75 m, 06 / 06 / 1990, SAMC-A 094531, 1 ♂ 5.9 mm. South Africa, 29 ° 52 ’ 59.9 ” S, 31 ° 00 ’ 00.0 ” E, 5 m, 01 / 01 / 1929, SAMC-A 07834, material lost. Coloration in life. (Figs. 1 A, B). Of the four colour patterns observed by Baba (1979), patterns three and four have been observed in South Africa, these comprising a dark carapace with two narrow light stripes (Fig. 1 A) and a carapace with alternating longitudinal stripes of dark and light (Fig. 1 B). Global distribution. Widespread in the Indo-Pacific, from South Africa to New Caledonia and Japan, 0 – 120 m.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB353944189EFBFBFF419346.taxon	description	South African distribution. Durban Harbour to off Boteler Point, 75 m (Fig. 5). Genetic data. Not available for South African specimens.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB353944189EFBFBFF419346.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cabezas et al. (2011) did not report A. elegans from South Africa, but Barnard (1950) reported on a specimen collected from Durban Harbour. The range in South Africa is confirmed to extend from Durban northwards to the Mozambican border. This species has a close association with crinoids and is often collected from these host organisms, mimicking their colours. In South Africa, it is known to occur on Tropiometra carinata (Lamarck, 1816) and here reported on Cenometra bella (Hartlaub, 1890). The specimen first reported from South Africa by Barnard (1947, 1950) from Durban Harbour is considered lost, as confirmed by staff of the Natural History Collections of the Iziko South African Museum.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB343944189EFC1AFEAD96D3.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. South Africa, 29 ° 50 ’ 03.98 ” S, 31 ° 14 ’ 08.99 ” E, 135 m, 05 / 02 / 2021, SAMC-A 094783, 1 ♀ 3.8 mm.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB343944189EFC1AFEAD96D3.taxon	description	Variation. Two pairs of epigastric spines present instead of three previously reported (Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia 2015). Rostrum 1.4 times longer than broad, not 1.6. Antennal article 1 reaching distal margin of article 3 (not 2). P 1 merus 2.8 times carpus length (not 3.5). P 2 and P 3 merus same length (not P 3 0.9 length of P 2). Coloration. Unknown. Global distribution. Mozambique and now South Africa; 101 – 152 m. South African distribution. Off Umgeni River, KwaZulu-Natal, 135 m (Fig. 6). Genetic data. Not available for South African specimens.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB343944189EFC1AFEAD96D3.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia (2015) thought that G. dispersa reported from South Africa and adjacent waters were in fact G. hydrae, but they did not have access to any of the material. However, upon examination of the material identified as G. dispersa in the Natural History Collections of the Iziko South African Museum, it can be confirmed that these specimens are neither G. dispersa, nor G. hydrae, but represent a closelyrelated new species, described below as Galathea noboya sp. nov. (see under remarks of that species). However, the new record listed above does represent G. hydrae and signifies a small range extension into South Africa, being previously known only from Mozambique. In South African waters, G. hydrae is morphologically most similar to G. noboya sp. nov. (see differences under respective new species remarks).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB343940189EF8D3FCA997BA.taxon	description	(Figs. 2, 3, 7 A, B)	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB343940189EF8D3FCA997BA.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Neotype: South Africa, south of Still Bay, 34 ° 33 ’ 45.36 ” S, 21 ° 18 ’ 8.99 ” E, 62 m, 14 / 04 / 2021, SAMC-A 094746, ♀ 5.9 mm. Other material examined. South Africa, 33 ° 44 ’ 57.12 ” S, 26 ° 41 ’ 52.08 ” E, 53 m, 23 / 09 / 2016, SAMC-A 066507, 1 ovig. ♀ 4.9 mm; South Africa, 33 ° 44 ’ 57.12 ” S, 26 ° 41 ’ 52.08 ” E, 53 m, 23 / 09 / 2016, SAMC-A 066508, 1 ovig. ♀ 6.0 mm; South Africa, 33 ° 44 ’ 57.12 ” S, 26 ° 41 ’ 52.08 ” E, 53 m, 23 / 09 / 2016, SAMC-A 066509, 2 ♂ 2.5 – 5.7 mm, 2 ovig. ♀ 3.8 – 5.0 mm; South Africa, 33 ° 44 ’ 57.12 ” S, 26 ° 41 ’ 52.08 ” E, 53 m, 23 / 09 / 2016, SAMC-A 094739, 2 ♂ 2.5 – 5.7 mm, 2 ♀ 3.8 – 5.0 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 37 ’ 38.99 ” S, 21 ° 53 ’ 56.76 ” E, 78 m, 15 / 04 / 2021, SAMC-A 094747, 1 ♂ 3.3 mm, 1 ♀ 4.5 mm; South Africa, 33 ° 51 ’ 22.68 ” S, 26 ° 38 ’ 24.72 ” E, 97 m, 01 / 05 / 2021, SAMC-A 094750, 1 ♂ 4.7 mm, 1 ovig. ♀ 5.6 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 36 ’ 02.16 ” S, 21 ° 07 ’ 0.48 ” E, 75 m, 14 / 05 / 2021, SAMC-A 094751, 1 ♂ 3.0 mm; South Africa, 29 ° 51 ’ 54.79 ” S, 31 ° 09 ’ 11.30 ” E, 88 m, 05 / 02 / 2021, SAMC-A 094761, 4 ♂ 1.4 – 1.8 mm, 3 ♀ 1.7 – 2.0 mm, 1 ovig. ♀ 2.4 mm; South Africa, 29 ° 55 ’ 52.54 ” S, 31 ° 03 ’ 45.86 ” E, 66 m, 26 / 10 / 2020, SAMC-A 094769, 4 ♂ 3.2 – 3.7 mm, 2 ovig. ♀ 2.6 – 3.7 mm; South Africa, 29 ° 50 ’ 03.98 ” S, 31 ° 14 ’ 08.99 ” E, 135 m, 05 / 02 / 2021, SAMC-A 094785, 2 ♂ 1.8 – 1.9 mm, 1 ♀ 2.5 mm; South Africa, 29 ° 49 ’ 14.41 ” S, 31 ° 14 ’ 17.05 ” E, 99 m, 05 / 02 / 2021, SAMC-A 094789, 7 ♂ 1.5 – 2.6 mm, 12 ♀ 1.4 – 2.4 mm; South Africa, 29 ° 52 ’ 42.31 ” S, 31 ° 10 ’ 00.41 ” E, 110 m, 05 / 02 / 2021, SAMC-A 094798, 31 ♂ 1.4 – 3.5 mm, 15 ♀ 1.6 – 2.5 mm, 3 ovig. ♀ 2.3 – 2.8 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 03 ’ 18.18 ” S, 25 ° 46 ’ 42.72 ” E, 75 m, 05 / 04 / 2022, SAMC-A 094800, 5 ♂ 3.8 – 6.1 mm, 1 ovig. ♀ 4.3 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 19 ’ 43.68 ” S, 22 ° 11 ’ 44.23 ” E, 75.2 m, 20 / 05 / 2022, SAMC-A 094811, 1 ovig. ♀ 4.5 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 04 ’ 60.00 ” S, 25 ° 58 ’ 60.00 ” E, 84 m, 25 / 11 / 1960, SAMC-A 094576, 1 ♂ 4.6 mm, 8 ♀ 1.7 – 3.6 mm, 3 ovig. ♀ 3.5 – 4.3 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 04 ’ 60.00 ” S, 25 ° 58 ’ 60.00 ” E, 84 m, 25 / 11 / 1960, SAMC-A 094548, 1 ♂ 3.2 mm, 1 ovig. ♀ 3.4 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 02 ” S, 23 ° 27 ” E, 42 m, 11 / 02 / 1962, SAMC-A 094574, 1 ♀ 2.8 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 35 ’ S, 21 ° 56 ’ E, 78 m, 28 / 08 / 1960, SAMC-A 094573, 1 ♂ 4.5 mm; South Africa, 30 ° 47.6 ” S, 30 ° 29.6 ” E, 44 m, 17 / 05 / 1958, SAMC-A 094577, 5 ♂ 2.0 – 3.7 mm, 1 ♀ 4.6 mm, 5 ovig. ♀ 2.5 – 3.2 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 09 ’ 29.88 ” S, 18 ° 27 ’ 0.36 ” E, 19 m, 28 / 04 / 1947, SAMC-A 19512, 3 ♂ 3.9 – 5.2 mm, 1 ♀ 3.4 mm, 1 ovig. ♀ 5.5 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 09 ’ 23.34 ” S, 22 ° 47 ’ 44.94 ” E, 69 m, 28 / 06 / 2022, SAMC-A 094812, 11 ♂ 2.8 – 5.9 mm, 6 ♀ 2.3 – 4.5 mm, 6 ovig. ♀ 4.4 – 5.0 mm; South Africa, 33 ° 58 ’ 13.08 ” S, 26 ° 06 ’ 46.92 ” E, 84 m, 05 / 04 / 2022, SAMC-A 094765, 1 ♂ 4.8 mm, 1 ♀ 4.4 mm, 1 ovig. ♀ 3.5 mm.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB343940189EF8D3FCA997BA.taxon	description	Description. Carapace: About as long as broad (rarely up to 1.2 times longer than broad); transverse ridges with short dense simple setae; distinct cervical groove, laterally bifurcated. Gastric area with 8 transverse ridges: 2 epigastric ridges, anterior ridge interrupted medially with 1 – 2 pairs of median spines, posterior ridge scale-like, not extending laterally; 2 protogastric ridges, anterior ridge slightly convex, uninterrupted, without parahepatic spines, posterior ridge scale-like; 1 uninterrupted mesogastric ridge, not extending laterally to anteriormost branchial marginal spines; 3 metagastric ridges, anterior ridge extending laterally to anterior branchial margin, uninterrupted, median ridge laterally interrupted, posterior ridge short, not extending past cervical groove. Hepatic region unarmed or with small hepatic spine occasionally present near anterolateral spine. Cervical groove shallow, followed by uninterrupted mid-transverse ridge and 6 other ridges, 4 ridges uninterrupted. Lateral margins convex, with 7 spines: first well-developed anterolateral spine, slightly posterior to lateral level of orbit; 3 spines on anterior branchial margin and 3 on posterior branchial margin, last spine small. Small spine on lateral limit of orbit, with 1 small frontal spine, infraorbital margin with 2 spines. Rostrum 1 – 1.6 times as long as broad, 0.4 – 0.5 times carapace length and breadth 0.3 – 0.4 that of carapace greatest width; some setose scales on dorsal margin, lateral margin with 4 sharp, deeply-incised teeth. Pterygostomian flap rugose with 7 – 8 spines on upper margin near linea anomurica, decreasing in size posteriorly, some ridges with short setae, anterior margin blunt. Thoracic sternum: As long as broad, lateral extremities somewhat divergent posteriorly. Sternite 3 roughly 3 times wider than long; anterior margin serrated with median notch; sternite 4 2.3 times wider than sternite 3. A few scales on sternite 4. Pleon: Pleonites 2 – 4 with 2 uninterrupted transverse ridges each; pleonite 5 with 2 medially interrupted ridges, anterior ridge short; pleonite 6 with 2 short, medially interrupted ridges. Males with G 1 and G 2. Eye: Maximum corneal diameter 0.3 – 0.7 rostrum width; ocular peduncle length 0.8 times width. Antennule: Article 1 with 2 well-developed distal spines, distodorsal larger, both with tuft of setae, distomesial spine minute. Ultimate article with some short, fine setae on distodorsal margin, not in tuft. Antenna: Article 1 with well-developed ventral distomesial spine exceeding distal margin of article 2. Article 2 with 2 distal spines, distolateral slightly longer than distomesial, reaching mid-length of article 3. Articles 3 and 4 unarmed. Mxp 3: Ischium with 2 (rarely 1) small spines on distoflexor margin, 1 distal spine on extensor margin; crista dentata with 17 – 22 (rarely up to 24) denticles. Merus 1.3 – 2.0 times longer than ischium, flexor margin with 2 subequal spines on distal half, extensor margin with small spine and several eminences and long setae. Carpus, propodus, dactylus unarmed; propodus elongate. P 1: Length 2.9 times carapace length; with scattered, finely setiferous scales, some long, non-iridescent simple setae. Merus 0.8 times carapace length, 1.7 times as long as carpus, spines roughly arranged in rows, dorsomesial and mesial spines stronger, distal spines well-developed. Carpus 0.8 times length of palm, 2.7 times longer than broad; dorsal and lateral surfaces with rows of spines; mesial margin 3 – 5 spines (distal second strongest). Palm 3.4 times longer than broad, spines arranged roughly in lateral, dorsolateral, mesial and dorsomesial rows; dorsolateral continuing along fixed finger. Fingers 1.2 times length of palm, movable fingers with small spines proximally and well-developed distal spine, fixed finger with row of spines. P 2 – 4: Moderately slender, with setose striae and long, scattered, non-iridescent simple setae. P 2 1.8 times carapace length. Merus shorter successively (P 3 merus 0.9 length of P 2 merus, P 4 merus 0.8 length of P 3 merus); P 2 merus 0.6 times carapace length, 4.0 times as long as broad, 1.3 times longer than P 2 propodus; extensor margin with row of 10 – 12 proximally diminishing spines on P 2 – 3, only distal spine on P 4; flexor margin distally ending in strong spine (with small spine at base occasionally present) followed proximally by 0 – 1 spines and several eminences, lateral margins unarmed. Carpus with 6 – 7 spines on extensor margin of P 2 – 3, P 4 unarmed; lateral margin with 2 or 3 acute granules sub-parallel to extensor margin; flexor margin with some eminences on P 2 – 3, distal margin acute. Propodus 4.5 – 4.6 times as long as broad; extensor margin with 1 – 2 proximal spines on P 2 – 3, P 4 unarmed; flexor margin with 6 slender movable spines on P 2, P 3 – 4 only 4 spines. Dactylus ending in well-curved strong spines, 0.5 – 0.6 times length of propodi; flexor margin with 5 or 6 proximally diminishing teeth, distal tooth prominent. Epipods on P 1. Variation. Ranges noted in description. P 1 fingers occasionally gaping distally in males. Coloration in life. (Figs. 2, 7 A, B). Carapace light-orange to brick-red with blue or white spots (Figs. 2, 7 A, B); pleomere tergites 2 – 4 light-orange, often mottled (Fig. 7 B), posterior tergites and tailfan white. Rostrum and ocular peduncles white to light-orange. Eyes green or light-green. Chelipeds and walking legs orange with some orange / white mottling on meri. Global distribution. Endemic to South Africa. South African distribution. False Bay to Durban Bay, 19 – 135 m (Fig. 6). Neotype from Still Bay, 62 m. Genetic data. 16 S, COI; see Table 1.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB343940189EF8D3FCA997BA.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Galathea labidolepta was the first squat lobster described from South Africa by William Stimpson based on specimens collected from the Cape of Good Hope in 1858. The description was short, though a subsequent publication by Stebbing (1907) included some more information, especially on colour patterns. Unfortunately, the type material was lost during the Chicago fire of 1871, which destroyed the Chicago Academy of Sciences, where the Stimpson collection was held. Later some illustrations were provided by Doflein & Balss (1913), and Lenz & Strunk (1914) using specimens collected along the South African coast. However, due to the short description and few illustrations existing at the time, the taxonomic validity of this species was questioned by different authors and was synonymized with G. intermedia, a common species in the northeast Atlantic (e. g., Barnard 1946, 1950; Tirmizi & Javed 1993). The two species are characterized by the presence of a row of spines along the upper margin of the pterygostomian flap adjacent to the linea anomurica, and the Mxp 3 merus is more than twice as long as the ischium. These characters are not observed in other species known from the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but they are common in North Atlantic species (e. g., Zariquiey-Alvarez 1968). Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia (2015) made mention of the similarities between these two species (and others) and highlighted the need for a revision, not only of G. labidolepta, but also G. intermedia (which is in progress). After close examination of the morphology of South African material, it can be confirmed that G. labidolepta is a valid species, distinctly different from G. intermedia and other closely related species; G. bolivari Zariquiey Alvarez, 1950 and G. cenarroi Zariquiey Alvarez, 1968. The main differences between G. labidolepta and G. intermedia concern ridges on the carapace and pleon, with the former having more ridges and the ridges bearing plumose setae, whereas in the latter there are few ridges with simple setae. The distinction between the species was confirmed by genetic analyses which showed G. labidolepta to have an 11.3 – 12.0 % (COI) divergence from G. bolivari and 11.4 – 13.0 % (COI) from G. intermedia. The taxonomic confusion between G. labidolepta and G. intermedia is due to their morphological similarities and hence updated descriptions are necessary to avoid future confusion. Therefore, and considering that a name-bearing type is necessary to define the nominal taxon objectively (see International Code of the Zoological Nomenclature), a neotype collected near the original type locality has been chosen. Unfortunately, a neotype could not be collected from the original type locality, though one is selected from nearby. The neotype does, however, closely match with the original description, including the colour pattern provided by Stimpson (1907). This species was frequently collected with other squat lobsters, such as G. hydrae, Trapezionida antonbruuni (Tirmizi & Javed, 1980), T. janetae (Tirmizi & Javed, 1992), T. limula (Macpherson & Baba, 1993), and the newly described species detailed below, Galathea noboya sp. nov. The records of G. labidolepta herein expand the known distribution and depth range of this species (previously False Bay to East London; 18 – 102 m) to False Bay to Durban Bay (18 – 135 m). Specimens from across the distributional range had an intraspecific variation (COI) of 0.5 – 1.2 % confirming, along with morphological analyses, that all the material represents G. labidolepta. Galathea labidolepta is easily distinguishable from others in the genus by the row of spines on the upper margin of the pterygostomian flap (a rare, but unique character). Moreover, the third maxilliped merus is usually twice as long as the ischium (Fig. 3 D).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3F394F189EFF52F8DC9241.taxon	description	South African distribution. Off Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 412 m (Fig. 6). Genetic data. Not available for South African specimens.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3F394F189EFF52F8DC9241.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The enigmatic Galathea lumaria was described from three ovigerous females caught east of Durban in 1929. It was recently collected only for the second time by Macpherson et al. (2023) from Mayotte Island, and so is now known to not be a South African endemic. It was collected along with two other squat lobster species: Gonionida shaula (Macpherson & de Saint Laurent, 2002) and Uroptychus simiae Kensley, 1977. In South African waters, this species can easily be distinguished based on the long, narrow rostrum with two slender, lateral spines.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3F394C189EFD6DFE909396.taxon	description	(Figs. 4, 7 C, D)	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3F394C189EFD6DFE909396.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype: south of Mossel Bay, South Africa, 34 ° 19 ’ 43.68 ” S, 22 ° 11 ’ 44.23 ” E, 75 m, 20 / 05 / 2022, SAMC-A 094807, ♂ 8.3 mm. Paratypes: South Africa, 34 ° 19 ’ 43.68 ” S, 22 ° 11 ’ 44.23 ” E, 75 m, 20 / 05 / 2022, SAMC-A 094807, 3 ♂ 4.1 – 5.3 mm, 2 ovig. ♀ 6.1 mm. Other material examined. South Africa, 34 ° 09 ’ 17.46 ” S, 22 ° 48 ’ 37.32 ” E, 74 m, 01 / 05 / 2019, SAMC-A 094743, 3 ♂ 4.1 – 9.1 mm; South Africa, 35 ° 20 ’ 23.64 ’ S, 21 ° 38 ’ 12.12 ’ E, 127 m, 15 / 05 / 2021, SAMC-A 094753, 1 ♂ 7.1 mm; South Africa, 35 ° 13 ” S, 21 ° 19 ’ 18.00 ” E, 111 m, 22 / 03 / 1948, SAMC-A 019511, 13 ♂ 4.2 – 8.5 mm; 6 ♀ 5.0 – 7.1 mm, 4 ovig. ♀ 5.1 – 5.9 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 36 ’ 02.16 ” S, 21 ° 07 ’ 00.48 ” E, 75 m, 14 / 05 / 2021, SAMC-A 094752, 1 ♀ 7.5 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 01 ’ 53.64 ” S, 25 ° 45 ’ 44.34 ” E, 49 m, 08 / 04 / 2022, SAMC-A 094802, 2 ♂ 8.6 – 8.8 mm, 3 ovig. ♀ 7.2 – 8.1 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 04 ” S, 25 ° 59 ” E, 84 m, 25 / 11 / 1960, SAMC-A 094547, 8 ♂ 1.9 – 7.1 mm, 9 ♀ 1.8 – 7.7 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 15 ” S, 25 ° 50 ’ 24.00 ” E, 108 m, 09 / 02 / 1962, SAMC-A 094546, 1 ovig. ♀ 4.8 mm; South Africa, 29 ° 46 ” S, 31 ° 16 ’ 58.80 ” E, 130 m, 23 / 04 / 1958, SAMC-A 094545, 1 ♂ 7.7 mm; South Africa, 29 ° 53 ” S, 31 ° 06 ” E, 183 m, 01 / 03 / 1963, SAMC-A 012027, 9 ♂ 3.3 – 6.3 mm, 5 ♀ 3.8 – 5.6 mm; South Africa, 35 ° 12 ” S, 22 ° 11 ” E, 120 m, 24 / 05 / 1973, SAMC-A 094539, 1 ♂ 3.0 mm, 1 ♀ 4.5 mm, 1 ovig. ♀ 5.7 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 22 ’ 48.00 ” S, 23 ° 21 ” E, 108 m, 20 / 09 / 1993, SAMC-A 094562, 4 ♂ 4.0 – 7.4 mm, 1 ovig. ♀ 6.1 mm; South Africa, 33 ° 29 ’ 58.20 ” S, 27 ° 13 ’ 52.68 ” E, 40 m, 29 / 08 / 1901, SAMC-A 0919, 5 ♂ 5.4 – 7.8 mm, 2 ♀ 4.6 – 8.1 mm; South Africa, 33 ° 49 ’ 59.88 ” S, 25 ° 46 ’ 00.12 ” E, 37 m, 24 / 10 / 1898, SAMC-A 0920, 1 ♂ 10.0 mm, 1 ovig. ♀ 5.2 mm (dry specimens); South Africa, 34 ° 14 ’ 51.00 ” S, 18 ° 30 ’ 01.80 ” E, 42 m, 08 / 06 / 1900, SAMC-A 0922, 3 ♂ 5.9 – 9.7 mm, 1 ♀ 6.1 mm (dry specimens); South Africa, 33 ° 25 ’ 39.72 ” S, 27 ° 05 ’ 36.96 ” E, 40 m, 06 / 08 / 1901, SAMC-A 0923, 4 ♀ 5.9 – 7.4 mm (dry specimens); South Africa, 30 ° 47 ’ 13.92 ” S, 30 ° 34 ’ 50.88 ” E, 91 m, 14 / 03 / 1901, SAMC-A 0924, 2 ♀ 7.4 mm (dry specimens); South Africa, 29 ° 21 ’ 02.88 ” S, 31 ° 51 ’ 39.96 ” E, 113 m, 30 / 01 / 1901, SAMC-A 0925, 1 ♂ 6.2 mm (dry specimens); South Africa, 34 ° 04 ’ 00.12 ” S, 25 ° 07 ’ 59.88 ” E, 42 – 64 m, 26 - 28 / 04 / 1906, SAMC-A 0930, 2 ♂ 4.6 – 7.3 mm; South Africa, 34 ° 04 ’ 59.88 ” S, 22 ° 13 ’ 59.88 ” E, 38 m, 24 / 06 / 1898, SAMC-A 0931, 1 ♀ 7.6 mm, 1 ovig. ♀ 7.2 mm (dry specimens); South Africa, 33 ° 20 ’ 46.32 ” S, 27 ° 23 ’ 01.32 ” E, 60 m, 27 / 08 / 1901, SAMC-A 0932, 1 ♀ 6.3 mm; South Africa, 32 ° 57 ’ 16.92 ” S, 28 ° 05 ’ 13.92 ” E, 37 m, 11 / 07 / 1901, SAMC-A 0933, 1 ♂ 7.3 mm, 1 ♀ 7.4 mm; South Africa, 33 ° 13 ’ 59.88 ” S, 27 ° 57 ’ 59.40 ” E, 90 m, 15 / 07 / 1901, SAMC-A 0936, 1 ♂ 6.1 mm, 1 ovig. ♀ 3.7 mm; South Africa, 28 ° 59 ’ 59.64 ” S, 31 ° 46 ’ 26.40 ” E, 24 m, 08 / 02 / 1901, SAMC-A 0937, 2 ♂ 5.4 – 5.7 mm, 2 ♀ 6.9 – 8.8 mm (dry specimens); South Africa, 29 ° 50 ’ 03.98 ” S, 31 ° 14 ’ 08.99 ” E, 135 m, 05 / 02 / 2021, SAMC-A 094775, 1 ♀ 3.1 mm; South Africa, 29 ° 50 ’ 03.98 ” S, 31 ° 14 ’ 08.99 ” E, 135 m, 05 / 02 / 2021, SAMC-A 094775, 2 ♀ 2.3 – 3.1 mm; South Africa, 29 ° 50 ’ 03.98 ” S, 31 ° 14 ’ 08.99 ” E, 135 m, 05 / 02 / 2021, SAMC-A 094786, 1 ♂ 2.5 mm; South Africa, 29 ° 50 ’ 03.98 ” S, 31 ° 14 ’ 08.99 ” E, 135 m, 05 / 02 / 2021, SAMC-A 094776, 1 ♂ (carapace missing), 3 ♀ 1.4 – 2.4 mm; South Africa, 29 ° 50 ’ 03.98 ” S, 31 ° 14 ’ 08.99 ” E, 135 m, 05 / 02 / 2021, SAMC-A 094781, 3 ♂ 2.5 – 4.5 mm.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3F394C189EFD6DFE909396.taxon	etymology	Etymology. From the Xhosa word noboya, which means ‘ fluffy’, referring to the ‘ fluffy’ / setose nature of the chelipeds. A Xhosa word is used as this is the most spoken language in the Eastern Cape, which is where this species is most prominent.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3F394C189EFD6DFE909396.taxon	description	Description. Carapace: Slightly longer than broad, with transverse ridges bearing short, dense plumose setae and few long setae. Cervical groove distinct, bifurcated laterally. Several transverse ridges; 2 epigastric ridges, anterior ridge interrupted medially by (2) – 3 pairs of epigastric spines, posterior ridge scale-like; 3 protogastric ridges, anterior ridge laterally interrupted, convex medially, with 1 parahepatic spine on each side, median ridge convex medially, with pair of long medial setae, interrupted laterally, posterior ridge short, scale-like; 2 mesogastric ridges, anterior ridge uninterrupted, does not extend to lateral margins, posterior ridge interrupted; 3 metagastric ridges, anterior and median ridge uninterrupted with scales between them, not extending laterally to anterior branchial region; posterior ridge short, uninterrupted, also not extending laterally; (2) – 4 small hepatic spines near anterolateral spine. Anterior branchial region with (4) – 5 distinct short ridges, 1 anterior branchial spine on each side. Mid-transverse ridge uninterrupted, concave medially, preceded by cervical groove. Posterior branchial region with 9 transverse ridges, 4 ridges uninterrupted, scales between some ridges. Lateral margins slightly convex, with 9 spines: 2 spines in front of and 7 behind anterior cervical groove; anterolateral first, well-developed, second small, at midlength between anterolateral and anteriormost spine of branchial margin, small spine between first and second; 3 spines on anterior branchial region, and 4 spines on posterior branchial region, posterior one small. Small spine on frontal margin between lateral limit of orbit and anterolateral spine; infraorbital margin with 2 spines, one well-developed, the other small. Rostrum 1.6 as long as broad, length 0.5 postorbital carapace length, breadth 0.3 that of carapace; dorsal surface slightly concave; distalmost lateral incisions 0.3 distance between proximal-most lateral incisions; rostrum with several scales and setae, pointing down proximally, lateral margin with 4 deeply incised sharp teeth, decreasing in size anteriorly. Pterygostomian flap unarmed, rugose, ridges with short setae, anterior margin angular. Thoracic sternum: As long as broad, lateral limits diverging posteriorly. Sternite 3 2.3 times wider than long; anterior margin serrated with median notch; sternite 4 3.2 times wider than sternite 3. Numerous scales on sternite 4. Pleon: Pleonites 2 and 3 with 3 transverse ridges on tergite, anterior and posterior ridge uninterrupted, medial ridge interrupted laterally; pleonite 4 with 1 uninterrupted ridge anteriorly and laterally interrupted ridge with scales in between; pleonite 5 with short mesial ridge anteriorly and 1 uninterrupted ridge posteriorly; pleonite 6 with 2 medially interrupted ridges. Males with G 1 and G 2. Eye: Ocular peduncle 0.7 times as long as broad, maximum corneal diameter 0.5 rostrum width. Antennule: Article 1 with 3 well-developed spines, distomesial and distodorsal spines subequal, large distolateral spine with long, fine setae. Ultimate article with tuft of fine setae on distodorsal margin. Antenna: Article 1 with well-developed ventral distomesial spine exceeding distal margin of article 3. Article 2 with 2 well-developed distal spines, distomesial spine larger, pointing mesially, distolateral spine almost reaching distal margin of article 3. Article 3 with distomesial spine, article 4 unarmed. Mxp 3: Ischium with 2 well-developed distal spines on flexor margin, extensor margin with small distal spine; crista dentata with 24 – 25 denticles. Ischium 0.8 length of merus; merus flexor margin with 2 spines, proximal well-developed, distal one small, extensor margin with small distal spine. Carpus unarmed. All segments covered in long, fine setae. P 1: (2.4 –) 3.0 times carapace length, covered in short, dense plumose setae and fine setiferous scales. Merus 0.7 times carapace length, 1.7 times carpus length, with spines arranged in rows, dorsomesial and distal spines well-developed. Carpus 0.7 length of palm, 1.2 – (1.5) times longer than broad, dorsal and lateral margin with row of spines, mesial margin with several spines, second spine massive. Palm 1.8 times longer than wide, lateral and mesial margins convex, both margins with row of spines, dorsolateral row extending onto fixed finger. Fingers 0.6 – (0.7) times length of palm, curving outwards with gaping appearance, mesial margin of moveable finger with large tooth proximally and several spines reaching halfway along lateral margin. P 2 – 4: Moderately slender, with long plumose setae and several setiferous scales. P 2 (1.6 –) 1.9 times carapace length, merus successively shorter posteriorly (P 3 0.9 length of P 2, P 4 0.8 length of P 3); P 2 merus 0.6 times carapace length, 3.6 times longer than broad, 1.3 times longer than propodus; P 3 merus 2.8 times longer than broad, 1.1 times longer than P 3 propodus; P 4 merus 2.5 times longer than broad, as long as P 4 propodus; extensor margin of P 2 – 3 merus with row of 7 – 9 spines, distalmost spine largest, P 4 with 1 distal spine; flexor margin with 2 distal spines, followed by several eminences; P 4 lateral margin with 2 spines. P 2 – 3 carpus with 3 – 4 spines on extensor margin, with 2 subequal distolateral spines, P 4 with 2 subequal distal spines; P 2 – 4 carpi with 1 distal spine on flexor margin. P 2 – 4 propodus 4.5 – 5.3 times longer than broad; extensor margin unarmed; flexor margin with 5 – 6 movable spines. P 2 – 4 dactyli 0.6 – 0.7 length of propodi, distally ending in large, curved spine, flexor margin with 5 slender movable spines. Epipods on P 1 – 3. Variation. Some specimens with short, broad rostrum 1.1 – 1.3 times as long as broad. Rostrum occasionally bearing 5 lateral spines instead of 4. Several specimens with 2 parahepatic spines instead of 1. Mxp 3 occasionally with 3 spines instead of 2. Rarely 2 protogastric ridges present and not 3. Occasionally fewer transverse ridges on posterior branchial margin. Some specimens have P 1: carapace ratio as high as 3.4 and not 2.4 as reported from the holotype, with males and females often exhibiting dimorphic P 1 ’ s. Coloration in life. (Figs. 7 C, D). Ground colour of carapace and pleon orange with some scattered whitish spots, tips of lateral spines and rostrum brick-red (Fig. 7 C). Posterior pleomere tergites lighter orange, tailfan whitish and orange. P 1 brick-red with plumose setae. P 2 – 4 orange, dactyli lighter orange. Eyes often green. Occasionally with a white, medial stripe on dorsal surface of carapace (Fig. 7 D). Global distribution. Endemic to South Africa. South African distribution. From False Bay to Durban Bay, 24 – 183 m (Fig. 6). Genetic data. COI, 16 S, see Table 1.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3F394C189EFD6DFE909396.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Galathea noboya sp. nov. is characterized by the combination of gastric ridges not scale-like, carapace lateral margin with small, but distinct spine between anterolateral spine and anteriormost spine of branchial margin, antennular basal article with three well-developed terminal spines, distomesial spine always distinct, although sometimes clearly smaller than others, no cardiac spines on carapace, four or more epigastric spines and epipod on P 1 – 3 and P 2 – 4 merus each with two spines at the distoflexor angle. The closest species is G. hydrae. Galathea noboya sp. nov. can easily be distinguished from G. hydrae as the new species has a dorsal branchial spine, four spines on posterior branchial margin instead of three (these characters were consistent in all specimens examined) and pleonites 2 and 3 with two-three transverse ridges behind anterior ridge instead on one only. Although superficially similar to G. nexa, this species differs in the following aspects: Rostrum with several long and short setae scattered throughout, pleonites 2 and 3 with three uninterrupted transverse ridges and third pleonite with two / three uninterrupted transverse ridges behind anterior ridge, unlike G. nexa, which bears almost no setae on the rostrum and only has one uninterrupted transverse ridge on tergite behind anterior ridge. Lastly, in terms of coloration, G. nexa has characteristic blue spots on the pterygostomian flap (absent in Galathea noboya sp. nov.). Galathea noboya sp. nov. showed a genetic divergence value of 2.7 – 3.5 % (COI) and 1.8 – 2.4 % (16 S) from G. nexa. Therefore, it can be concluded that G. nexa does not occur in South Africa and that the specimens identified as G. nexa by Doflein & Balss (1913) should be referred to Galathea noboya sp. nov. Moreover, upon inspection of the specimens of G. dispersa held in the Natural History Collections of the Iziko South African Museum, it can also be confirmed that all specimens previously identified as G. dispersa by Barnard (1950) and Kensley (1981) are in fact Galathea noboya sp. nov., as these specimens bear a parahepatic spine as well as a dorsal branchial spine (absent in G. dispersa) and the Mxp 3 merus has two spines on the flexor margin, not three or four. These specimens are also not G. hydrae, as suggested by Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia (2015) based on differences listed above between these two species. Thus, G. dispersa is found in the north-east Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea and is not present in South Africa. Interestingly, this new species exhibits some sexual dimorphism, as males have large, broad chelipeds, whereas in females, the chelipeds are shorter and more slender (Fig. 7 C, D). The white, median stripe on the dorsal surface of the carapace occurs in males and females and represents natural variation, as genetic analyses showed these individuals exhibit no differences from specimens without the white stripe.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3C394C189EFC17FC7F9741.taxon	description	South African distribution. East of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 138 m (Fig. 6).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3C394C189EFC17FC7F9741.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The South African material collected on the IIOE I (International Indian Ocean Expedition) from East of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal at 138 m (Fig. 6) was identified as G. pubescens by Tirmizi & Javed (1993). Since the type material is from Japan, however, there is some question over the identity of these South African specimens. This was also highlighted by Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia (2015) who suggested that the status of the South African material is dubious, and more work is required to confirm its identity. Tirmizi & Javed (1993) indicated that the specimens collected during IIOE I would be deposited in the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution (USNM). However, when staff of the USNM were contacted, they confirmed the material was not in their possession and attempts to contact the University of Karachi, where Tirmizi and Javed were based, were unsuccessful. Interestingly, some specimens from Madagascar identified as G. pubescens by Baba (1990) were deemed to be a new species, Galathea villosa, by Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia (2015). It is likely that the South African material (and indeed all Western Indian Ocean material) could also represent this species, but until more material is collected, the identity remains unknown and hence it is listed here as cf. Moreover, it is worth noting that the coordinates given in Tirmizi & Javed (1993) are wrong, and the latitude should read “ 29 ° 35 ’ S ”, rather than “ 35 ’ S ”, based on the station information given for Phylladiorhynchus serrirostris (now P. janiqueae) in Tirmizi & Javed (1980).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3B394B189EFF52FC6B9382.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. South Africa, 26 ° 52 ’ 54.0 ” S, 32 ° 55 ’ 18.0 ” E, 49 m, 03 / 06 / 1990, SAMC-A 094567, 1 ovig. ♀ 3.9 mm; South Africa, 27 ° 02 ’ 24.0 ” S, 32 ° 54 ’ 54.0 ” E, 75 m, 06 / 06 / 1990, SAMC-A 094568, 1 ♂ 3.7 mm.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3B394B189EFF52FC6B9382.taxon	description	Variation. Distal spine on flexor margin of Mxp 3 merus is not minute, as stated in the description, but well-developed. Distal spine of basal antennal article is well-developed, almost reaching the end of article 3 and not a short stout spine. Propodi of P 2 – 4 occasionally have 4 spines on extensor margin and not 3. Global distribution. Japan, Taiwan, South China Sea, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Tasman Sea, Maldives, eastern Indian Ocean, Seychelles, Mayotte Island, Scattered Islands, Mozambique, Madagascar, 0 – 153 m and now South Africa. South African distribution. Off Boteler Point, KwaZulu-Natal, 49 – 75 m (Fig. 6). Genetic data. Not available for South African specimens.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3B394B189EFF52FC6B9382.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The South African specimens of G. tanegashimae agree well with the original description and represents a small range extension (especially considering the wide scale of the known distribution), as this species is already known in the greater southwestern Indian Ocean region. Often collected from sponges, corals (Pocillopora spp.), rocks and sand (Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia 2015). This species has one of the most extensive distributions in all Galatheidae and exhibits no morphological or genetic differences between localities (see also Rodriguez-Flores et al., 2024). Most similar to G. cf. pubescens in South African waters (see G. cf. pubescens remarks for differences).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3B394B189EFBEAF845973A.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. South Africa, 27 ° 0 ’ 24.00 ” S, 32 ° 55 ’ 12.00 ” E, 66 m, 06 / 06 / 1990, SAMC-A 094845, 1 ovig. ♀ 2.1 mm.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3B394B189EFBEAF845973A.taxon	description	Variation. Carapace slightly wider than long. Antennal article 1 process clearly reaching end of article 2. P 1 2.8 times carapace length, not 3.2; P 1 merus also slightly shorter than carapace; carpus dorsal surface with several rows of strong spines; movable finger armed on mesial margin with row of spines extending half length of finger. P 2 – 4 propodi with strong spines on extensor margin and 3 slender movable spines instead of 5 – 6. P 3 carpus with 3 – 4 spines on extensor margin instead of 0 – 2. Global distribution. Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles, and now South Africa, 18 – 355 m. South African distribution. Boteler Point, KwaZulu-Natal, 66 m (Fig. 5). Genetic data. Not available from South African specimens.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3B394B189EFBEAF845973A.taxon	discussion	Remarks The L. gardineri specimen examined agrees well with the original description and Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia (2013) and represents a small range extension, as it is likely only known from the southwestern Indian Ocean. Macpherson & Robainas-Barcia (2013) recommended additional work is required to confirm the status of material from the Red Sea and Somali Republic This represents not only a new species record, but also a new genus record for South Africa. This species is easily recognisable in South African waters as the carapace and walking legs are extremely setose and the second to fourth pereopod dactyli are curved and strongly biunguiculate.	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3B394A189EF802FC9092D2.taxon	description	South African distribution. East of Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, 138 m (Fig. 5).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
03C13C01FB3B394A189EF802FC9092D2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The South African material collected by the IIOE I was originally identified as P. integrirostris by Tirmizi & Javed (1980, 1993). According to Schnabel & Ahyong (2019), P. integrirostris senso stricto is now restricted to the Hawaiian Archipelago, with other populations referred to other species. Subsequently, Rodriguez-Flores et al. (2021) described P. janiqueae from Madagascar, Reunion and Walters Shoal and they argued that the South African material is likely to be this new species, as the description from Tirmizi & Javed (1980, 1993) agrees well with their description. Unfortunately, neither Rodriguez-Flores et al. (2021), nor this study (for the same reason as for G. pubescens, the material is not in the Smithsonian, as indicated in the original publication), have had the opportunity to examine the South African material. The status thus remains unconfirmed and hence given an cf. notation. This species was collected in the same sampling event as G. cf. pubescens and Trapezionida cf. sphinx (Macpherson & Baba, 1993).	en	Botha, Thomas P. A., Griffiths, Charles L., Atkinson, Lara J., Macpherson, Enrique (2025): The Galatheidae (Anomura: Galatheoidea) of South Africa, with a description of a new species. Zootaxa 5661 (3): 330-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.3.2
