vatsakramppeina

Vatsakramppeina is a marine decapod crustacean that belongs to the family Galatheidae, commonly referred to as squat lobsters. The species was first described in 2023 by Norwegian marine biologist A. Løkke in the journal *Marine Biology Letters*. The nominal type specimen was collected during a deep‑sea survey off the Dovrefjell fjord by the research vessel RV *Arctic Explorer*.

The carapace of Vatsakramppeina reaches a maximum length of approximately 80 millimetres, with a distinctly elongated rostrum that curves gently upward. The species shows a unique combination of feathery setae on its pleopods and a series of small, evenly spaced spines along the dorsal margin, distinguishing it from other members of the genus *Bathysax*. Coloration is generally a dull ochre with darker lower surfaces, aiding camouflage in the dimly lit bathyal zone where it resides.

Habitat recordings place Vatsakramppeina in bathyal depths ranging from 700 to 1,200 metres, predominantly over soft sediment substrates in the North Atlantic. It has been noted in proximity to cold‑water coral assemblages but displays no particular affinity for hydrothermal vents. The species is presumed to be a benthic detritivore, feeding on organic particles that settle from the surface, although direct dietary analyses remain limited.

Reproductive efforts are inferred from the presence of eggs in copulation sacs during the winter months; however, detailed life‑history studies are pending. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the species as Data Deficient, reflecting the scarcity of population assessments and limited knowledge of potential anthropogenic threats.

Ongoing research focuses on phylogenetic relationships within Galatheidae, using mitochondrial COI sequencing to place Vatsakramppeina relative to other deep‑sea squat lobsters. Future expeditions aim to document its distributional range and ecological role more comprehensively.