Eucarida (Crabs, Crayfish, Shrimp, etc.)

Eucarida

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eucarida: //juːˈkærɪdə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Petrolisthes eriomerus 66320377 by Randal. Used under a CC0 license.
Polyonyx gibbesi (1211) (29012112544) by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Euceramus praelongus (I0741) (14264448778) by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Petrolisthes eriomerus 88272047 by Randal. Used under a CC0 license.
Cryptolithodes sitchensis dorsal view by Spencer Quayle. Used under a CC0 license.
Pelagic red crabs (Pleuroncodes planipes) 02 by Evan Baldonado. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Eucarida is a superorder of Malacostraca, including diverse groups such as krill, crabs, and shrimp, characterized by their unique anatomical features and ecological roles.

Physical Characteristics

Eucarida are characterized by having the carapace fused to all thoracic segments and by the possession of stalked eyes.

Habitat

Eucarida encompasses both marine and freshwater environments, primarily found in a variety of aquatic habitats.

Diet

Members of Eucarida vary in diet, with krill predominantly feeding on plankton, while decapods can be carnivorous, herbivorous, or omnivorous depending on the species.

Ecosystem Role

Eucarida play crucial roles in aquatic ecosystems as primary consumers (krill) and as predators (decapods), influencing food webs and nutrient cycling.

Evolution

The phylogeny of Eucarida is debated, with various hypotheses regarding their relationships with other groups such as Peracarida.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • Eucarida
  • Malacostraca
  • crabs
  • shrimps
  • krill