A new crab species described from Singapore by our resident crab taxonomist, Professor Peter Ng (Head, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum)!

Described as Indopinnixa shellorum, they live in close association with sipunculan worms. This crab is also tiny, measuring only 4 mm across! It is no wonder why they have evaded detection for years, even with frequent and intensive biological surveys.

This species is named after the employees of Shell Singapore Private Limited for their strong support for many of our local science and biodiversity programs such as the Raffles Museum Visiting Scientist Program. They also contributed greatly towards the Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey Project, organised by National Parks Board (Singapore) to document the marine plants and animals on the island.

Indopinnixa shellorum was one of the new species collected during the Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey Project.

The CEO of Shell Mr Ben van Beurden presented a model of this crab to PM Lee Hsien Loong (Prime Minister of Singapore) as a memento to PM Lee while receiving the Honorary Partner in Progress Award from EDB Singapore. Shell also commemorated the occasion with Indopinnixa shellorum ties!