Reappraisal of the Systematic Position of the Supposed Pinnotherid Crab Pseudopinnixa carinata (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura)

Abstract

The systematic position of the monotypic eubrachyuran genus Pseudopinnixa Ortmann, 1894, which traditionally has been placed in the family Pinnotheridae, is reassessed on the basis of the adult morphology. The structure of the thoracic sternum, third maxilliped, and male abdomen strongly suggests a close relationship between Pseudopinnixa and members of the subfamily Gaeticinae in the family Varunidae. Consequently, the genus is transferred to this varunid subfamily. This assignment is also supported by the first zoeal morphology. The type species, P. carinata Ortmann, 1894, is redescribed and illustrated in detail.