Anomuran Crustacea (Paguridea,Porcellanidae, and Hippidea) from Oman,principally from Dhofar province,southern Oman

Anomura (Crustacea, Decapoda) are described from 5 collection sites in Dhofar (southern Oman) and from near Muscat (northern Oman). These consist of the following: Paguridea: Aniculus erythraeus, Calcinus (3 species), Cestopagurus coutieri, Clibanarius (3 species), Dardanus (5 species), Diogenes (2 species), Paguristes (2 species) and Coenobita scaevola; Porcellanidae: Pachycheles (2 species), Petrolisthes (7 species), Pisidia (3 species) and Polyonyx (1 species, probably undescribed); and Hippidea: Emerita holthuisi, Hippa pacifica and Albunea steinitzi. The anomuran fauna of the region is not well known, and that of Dhofar has not previously been investigated. The present records establish a number of significant range extensions. The anomura species composition of Dhofar is discussed in relation to that of other areas of the Indian Ocean. In general, pagurideans appear less cosmopolitan, and more parochial within the region than porcellanids. This is discussed in relation to larval dispersal and other factors.