Re-examination of old collections and aquarium-trade material revealed two new Thaiphusa and four new Thaipotamon species from Thailand. Male gonopods, third maxillipeds and sternopleonal morphology distinguished them, and keys to both genera were provided. The taxonomic advance does not supply current population or conservation data.
Key findings
- The new taxa are Thaiphusa reginamimus, T. mongkol, Thaipotamon nandidarbhai, T. songkhwae, T. suvankorni and T. wangsaphung. Their inflated ovoid carapaces are similar, but suites of characters, primarily male gonopods, distinguish them from congeners and other rotund Thai potamids.
Why this matters globally
Accurate names and keys underpin assessment of endemism, aquarium trade, habitat loss and conservation priority in freshwater crabs that often have narrow ranges.
Thai researcher contribution
Phaibul Naiyanetr of Chulalongkorn University's Department of Biology collaborated with National University of Singapore using expertise and collections of Thai freshwater crabs.
Limitations to consider
Legacy and trade specimens may have incomplete locality or date metadata. No molecular phylogeny is described; females or juveniles may be difficult to identify; and current population persistence and threats are unknown.