Extension of the known range of the snapping shrimp Alpheus christofferseni Anker, Hurt and Knowlton, 2007 (Caridea: Alpheidae)

Alpheus christofferseni Anker, Hurt and Knowlton, 2007 was described based on four specimens from Atol das Rocas, northeastern Brazil, and one specimen from Bocas del Toro, the Caribbean coast of Panama. Here, we report the collection of two specimens from Pernambuco, Brazil (similar to 8 degrees 41'S), thus increasing the knowledge on species distribution along the Brazilian coast by approximately five latitudinal degrees south of its type locality (Atol das Rocas, Rio Grande do Norte, similar to 3 degrees 51'S). We also report a substantial increase in the known bathymetric distribution from shallow intertidal to approximately 51 m. Notes on morphological variation are provided based on the new material, and the first sequence of the 16S ribosomal subunit gene for the Brazilian coast is provided and compared with congeners.

Automated summary

This study reports the collection of two Alpheus christofferseni specimens from Pernambuco, Brazil, increasing the knowledge of the species distribution along the Brazilian coast. The specimens were found approximately five latitudinal degrees south of the species' type locality, and also expanded the known bathymetric distribution from shallow intertidal to approximately 51 m. Morphological variation notes are provided based on the new material, and the first sequence of the 16S ribosomal subunit gene for the Brazilian coast is provided and compared with congeners.