Callinectes maracaiboensis Taissoun (Crustacea, Decapoda, Portunidae), a species common but so far unrecorded in the Northeast of Brazil

Abstract

Callinectes maracaibonesis Taissoun originally recorded from Venezuela is now confirmed to be present in the northeast region of Brazil. In fact, the species is more common than C. bocourti and possibly due to its close resemblence to the former may have been identified as the latter. Striking colour patterns of the two species which co-exist in the same habitat drew attention of the authors and a careful examination of several specimens showed distinct morphological differences between the two species.