Calaxius kensleyi, new species (Axiidae), is described from three specimens collected on the continental shelf off Gabon, West Africa, in the course of an environmental impact survey. The new species is characterized by having cornea level with the subterminal rostral spines; a bidentate median carina on the carapace, 4–5 denticles on the submedian carina; larger chela with moveable finger as long as palm, smaller chela with moveable finger twice as long as palm; and abdominal pleura 3–5 ventrally rounded. It is the first member of Calaxius recorded from the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The monospecific genus Manaxius Kensley 2003, is synonymized with Calaxius Sakai & de Saint Laurent 1989.