The rare cavernicolous crab Atoportunus dolichopus Takeda, 2003, described from Kume-Jima Island, Ryukyu archipelago, is recorded for the first time since its description. Two specimens were observed in a marine cave off Mayotte Island, Western Indian Ocean, during technical dives in the mesophotic zone. The crabs were observed in total darkness at a depth of 75m, 120m from the entrance of the cave. No specimens were collected but morphological traits recognized on close-up photographs agree with those of A. dolichopus. This rare species is illustrated with comments on its remarkable disjunct geographical distribution and ecology.

Mesophotic “mentions”
5 x (total of 1708 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range

Fields
Biodiversity
Ecology

Focusgroups
Crustacea

Locations
Mayotte

Platforms
Rebreather