Distribution & Ecology: Marquesas (Eiao, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva) - Marine; Hard bottom; Deep (217-730m, mostly 300-400m).

Regional Records: Heterocarpus aff. ensifer - Poupin et al., 1990: 16, 50, fig. 5-7, 11, pl. 1d (French Polynesia). - Poupin, 1996b: 6, pl. 2g (Eiao, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata, Ua Pou; 217-730m; coll. Frv Marara, fr). - Heterocarpus ensifer - Poupin & Richer de Forges, 1991: 211, fig. 1 (French Polynesia). - Poupin, 1998: 26 (Checklist). - not Heterocarpus ensifer - Manac'h & Carsin, 1985: 473. - Crosnier, 1986a: 362. - Poupin, 1988: 27, fig. 2, 5 - All are H. amacula Crosnier and/or H. parvispina de Man. - Heterocarpus aff. ?ensifer - AAMP, Marquesas, 2012, Leg 3, St. MQ26-ACH1-2, Nuku Hiva, west coast, 380 m, photo COMEX in situ, no sample (most probably H. aff. ensifer, common in the Marquesas, although H. parvispinna, with same patch on cephalothorax but still not reported in the Marquesas, cannot be totally excluded). Copyright AAMP

Depth distribution: 217 - 730 m