Bathypallenopsis oculotuberculosis (Hilton 1942)

Pallenopsis (Bathypallenopsis) oculotuberculosis Hilton

Pallenopsis oculotuberculosis Hilton, 1942c:40.

MATERIAL EXAMINED.—OREGON: Cr 6907C, sta BMT 89-14 (3 with eggs, 4, 7, 1 juv); cr 6907C, sta BMT 90-16 (5, 2); cr 6907C, sta BMT 94-23 (1); cr 6910A, sta BMT 113-24 (1); cr 6910A, sta BMT 115-10 (4, 1); cr 6910A, sta BMT 120-22 (1); cr 7001B, sta BMT 156-31 (1 juv); cr 7001B, sta BMT 157-30 (1, 2); cr 7001B, sta BMT 159-28 (1, 1); cr 7003B, sta BMT 191-21 (1 without legs); cr 7003B, sta BMT 192-37 (6, 7); cr 7003B, sta BMT 193-35 (1 juv); cr 7003B, sta BMT 194-24 (1 juv); cr 7102B, sta BMT 264-26 (1); cr 7102B, sta BMT 272-26 (1); cr 7301F, sta BMT 317-31 (1, 1); cr 7310B, sta BMT 330-28 (1, 1); cr 7301B, sta BMT 333-36 (1).

WASHINGTON: Cr DWD, sta BMT-10 (1).

DISTRIBUTION.—This is another species previously known only from a single type specimen (an ovigerous female) collected in the Aleutian Islands off Alaska in 155 m, a very shallow depth if reported correctly. The above 60 specimens from Oregon and the single female from Washington were all taken in 2225–2720 m, contrasting with the shallow depth for the Aleutian Islands type. I believe the 155 m recorded by Hilton is in error, but the depth is correct for the listed R/V Albatross station. It seems probable that the station number was incorrectly listed for the specimen. The next station, off Kamchatka Island, is recorded at 1500+ fathoms (2743 m) which is consistent with the depths found in the Oregon collection.

DIAGNOSIS.—Of the mollissima-group. Species small in size, only half that of P. (B.) californica. Most easily recognized by two laterodistal projections of ocular tubercle and relatively short proboscis which is only 0.6 as long as anterior trunk segment, shorter than in most other members of subspecies. Abdomen quite short and legs bear randomly placed spines of modest length without any long slender lateral setae. Chelae very curved and have appearance of ice tongs. Heel spines modest and not greatly larger than sole spines. Oviger only moderately setose, and male cement gland tube equal in length to femoral diameter.