About Stenopus scutellatus Rankin, 1898
This species is Stenopus scutellatus Rankin, 1898. Its described physical characteristics, originally noted for the closely related Stenopus spinosus, are as follows: adults can grow up to 4 centimetres (1.6 in) in length. It has a yellow spiny carapace and abdomen, plus long white antennae. The third pair of pereiopods (walking legs) are spiny, bear long claws, and are much larger than the other pairs of legs. The third pereiopods are boldly barred in red and white, while all other legs are yellow. The tip of the abdomen, uropods, and telson are also marked with orangeish-red and white. Stenopus scutellatus is commonly found in shallow waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Bermuda, the West Indies, and the Gulf of Mexico south to northern Brazil. It occurs at depths between 10 and 113 metres (33 and 371 ft). Its habitats include coral reefs, caves, and areas among lumps of coral; it can also be found on rocks near turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) meadows, and on detritus covering the seabed.
