After examining numerous web and book photos of species such as Hyastenus spinosus, H. bispinosus and Naxioides taurus, I find I cannot reliably say which one is which from photos of living animals that are often decorated with hydroids and other debris from the environment. Some seem to have larger chelipeds than others, so we have divided them into two groups as "Hyastenus or Naxioides" sp. 1 and sp. 2. Perhaps someone who knows the animals better will be able to tell what is figured below. These are often found hidden in algae or on gorgonians or soft corals, particularly at night, and often decorate their spines with bits of hydroids or other debris that makes them harder to see. Speaking as one who has accidentally put my thumb on one of these, I can attest to the fact that those spines are sharp!
Created 13 September 2018
Updated 31 July 2021