On a new species of Metapenaeus (Crustacea, Decapoda: Penaeidae) from the Philippines

Abstract

A new species of penaeid prawn, Metapenaeus philippinensis from the Philippines is described in detail and compared with the closely related species, M. ensis. The petasma of the new species which superficially resembles that of M. ensis is markedly different in details; the distomedian lobes have rounded postern-lateral comers and the denticles are borne on a crescentic ridge on the disto-medial aspect of the lobes. The thelycum is also distinctive, with lateral tufts of setae and two conical pillar like prominences at the posterior end of the lateral plates and a characteristic median plate which is broader posteriorly than anteriorly. The new species is devoid of dorsal carina on the first three abdominal segments.