On abnormal Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (Latreille, 1802) (Chelicerata: Xiphosurida) from the Indian Sundarbans and possible conservation directions

 Xiphosurida are iconic group of marine chelicerates that have been subject to more than 200 years of neonatological and palaeontological scrutiny. However, recent studies have identified that there is very little data concerning abnormal specimens, and even less data on wild populations. The present study aims to rectify this dearth of information by documenting abnormal Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda from the Indian Sundarbans. We illustrated 36 abnormal specimens and attribute the abnormalities to injuries. Morphological differences between injured relative to non-injured individuals are considered and possible causes for injuries are discussed. Major anthropogenic threats are highlighted, with the aim of illustrating the key directions needed to conserve the unique mangrove horseshoe crab in the Indian Sundarbans