A new species of commensal amphipod (Amphipoda: Gammaridea: Leucothoidae) from Veracruz Coral Reef System, SW Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

A new species of commensal amphipod of the genus Leucothoe (Leucothoidae) is described from the Veracruz coral reef system, Veracruz, in the SW Gulf of Mexico. The specimens were collected from the sponge Aplysina fistularis at a depth of 10 m. The new species is compared to other closely related species of Leucothoe. Coxa 2 with acute anterior corner; propodus of gnathopod 2 with 7 long subapical setae, 27-28 thick medial setae arranged in 1 row, and 7 short submarginal setae; segment 2 of mandible palp with 5 setae and distal margin serrate; last segment of maxilliped palp with distal nail and inner margin covered with small spinules; telson triangular, trifid distally, including 2 apical setae and 2 pairs of medial pairs of plumose setae, are the main characteristics of Leucothoe hortapugai.