Designation of Synalpheus pectiniger Coutiere, 1907 as a nomen protectum and its senior synonym Alpheus praecox Herrick, 1888 as a nomen oblitum (Crustacea, Decapoda, Alpheidae)

Alpheus praecox Herrick, 1888, previously regarded as nomen nudum, nomen dubium or a possible senior synonym of Synalpheus brevicarpus (Herrick, 1891), is shown to be a senior synonym of Synalpheus pectiniger Coutiere, 1909. However, because A. praecox has not been used as a valid name since 1899, whereas S. pectiniger on the other hand appeared as valid species in at least 29 publications signed by numerous authors, A. praecox is herewith designated nomen oblitum, with S. pectiniger becoming nomen protectum.