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Nephropides

Nephropides
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Malacostraca
Order:	Decapoda
Suborder:	Pleocyemata
Family:	Nephropidae
Genus:	Nephropides Manning, 1969
Species:	N. caribaeus
Binomial name
Nephropides caribaeus Manning, 1969

Nephropides caribaeus is a species of lobster, the only species in the genus Nephropides. It is found in western parts of the Caribbean Sea, from BelizetoColombia. It grows to a total length of around 170 mm (6.7 in), and is covered in conspicuous tubercles.

Nephropides caribaeus is a narrow lobster, resembling NephropsisorNephrops. Adults of N. caribaeus are typically 155–170 millimetres (6.1–6.7 in) in total length, or 51–58 mm (2.0–2.3 in) in carapace length.^[2] It differs from Nephropsis in that the eyes contain pigment, which is lacking in Nephropsis.^[2] The rostrum has 2–3 lateral spines, but no spines on the lower edge.^[2] The whole body is covered in large tubercles, including the first pereiopods with their large chelae, and the other, smaller pereiopods.^[2]

Nephropides caribaeus is found in the western Caribbean Sea, and has been recorded from BelizetoColombia.^[1] It is a deep-water species, living on muddy bottoms at depths of 455–728 metres (1,493–2,388 ft).^[1]

The genus Nephropides and the species N. caribaeus were both erected in 1969 by Raymond B. Manning. A second species later described in the genus has since been transferred to ThymopsasThymops birsteini.^[3] The Food and Agriculture Organization has assigned the species an English name of "mitten lobsterette".^[4] The type locality is at 12°25′N 82°15′W / 12.417°N 82.250°W / 12.417; -82.250, off the coast of Nicaragua, at a depth of 546–582 metres (1,791–1,909 ft).^[4] The generic name Nephropides alludes to a close relationship with the genus Nephrops, while the specific epithet caribaeus is a reference to the Caribbean Sea.^[2]