Context

Researchers of Annamalai University have discovered a new species of estuarine crab at the mangroves of Parangipettai near the Vellar River estuary in Cuddalore district.

About

About the Species:

• The species has been named Pseudohelice annamalai in recognition of Annamalai University’s 100 years of service in education and research. 
• This is the first ever record of this genus, Pseudohelice, collected from high intertidal areas in front of the CAS.
• So far, only two species — Pseudohelice subquadrata and Pseudohelice latreilli.

Features:

• Pseudohelice annamalai is distinguished by dark purple to dark grey colouring, with irregular light brown, yellowish brown or white patches on the posterior carapace with light brown chelipeds. 
• The new species is small and has a maximum width of up to 20 mm.
• The species inhabits muddy banks of mangroves, and the burrows were located near the pneumatophores of  Avicennia
• Burrows have a depth of 25-30 cm and are branched, with larger pellets around the entrance.
• This species is not aggressive and can move fast like other intertidal crabs.
• As many as 17 species of intertidal crabs have been recorded in the same region.