The native range of Xenophthalmus pinnotheroides White, 1846 (Decapoda: Brachyura) predicted by climate matching with the first record for Vietnam

Xenophthalmus pinnotheroides is a tiny subtidal marine crab from the West Pacific and Northern Indian Oceans. Its native range is poorly documented, with few records from the wild. Although it is not exploited by humans, degradation of suitable habitats by anthropogenic activities can significantly threaten this species. Here we bring the first record of the species in Vietnamese waters and prediction of its native range based on climate matching analysis. The areas of its potential occurrence are highlighted and future confirmation through field survey is recommended. The present findings indicate the range extension of X. pinnotheroides in Asia.

Automated summary

Xenophthalmus pinnotheroides is a small subtidal marine crab found in the West Pacific and Northern Indian Oceans. Its native range is poorly documented, but anthropogenic activities pose a significant threat to its habitats. This study provides the first record of the species in Vietnamese waters and predicts its native range using climate matching analysis. The findings highlight potential areas of occurrence and suggest the need for further field surveys for confirmation. These findings also show the range extension of X. pinnotheroides in Asia.