Axiidea

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Axiidea: //ækˈsɪdi.iə//

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Summary

Axiidea is an infraorder of decapod crustaceans commonly known as mud shrimp or burrowing shrimp. They are ecologically significant in marine soft-bottom sediments and contribute to habitat diversity.

Physical Characteristics

The length of an adult Axiidea ranges from about 1.5 cm (0.6 in) in some species to over 35 cm (14 in) in others. Their coloration varies, including white, pink, red, orange, and dark brown. The rostrum ranges from nearly invisible to fairly rigid, extending past the eyes. The carapace can be rigid or transparent, and exoskeletons range from well-calcified to barely calcified, which shows adaptation to burrowing.

Identification Tips

Sex can be determined by the pleopod structure on the underbelly; this structure is underdeveloped or absent in males. The sex ratio is typically 1:1 in most species but may vary in certain habitats.

Habitat

Axiidea typically inhabit marine environments with soft-bottom sediments, often found in intertidal or subtidal zones.

Distribution

Axiidea are found in most oceans and seas, except for high latitude polar seas. They show a clear distribution gradient based on latitude, with higher species numbers in low latitudes and diversity peaking in temperate to tropical regions.

Diet

Axiidea are mainly deposit feeders (detritophages), drift catchers which collect drifting plant material, and suspension feeders that feed on suspended plant matter.

Life Cycle

Egg incubation and larval development duration vary depending on environmental factors, ranging from 2 to 3 days to 5 to 6 months. They go through several larval stages, including a planktonic zoeal phase before settling as benthic juveniles.

Reproduction

The reproductive cycle includes oviposition and is influenced by environmental factors such as salinity and temperature. Axiidea typically show a 1:1 sex ratio but can differ based on habitat.

Ecosystem Role

Axiidea play a significant role in biogeochemical processes of ocean floor sediments and contribute to the formation of habitats that support various marine benthic communities.

Economic Impact

Species such as Axiidea are utilized as fishing bait and can be consumed by humans in intertidal regions.

Evolution

Axiidea and Gebiidea are distinct lineages within the decapods, previously grouped under Thalassinidea but reclassified based on molecular evidence.

Similar Taxa

• Gebiidea

Misconceptions

Axiidea are often colloquially referred to as shrimp, but they are only distantly related to true shrimp.

Tags

• Axiidea
• decapods
• crustaceans
• burrowing shrimp
• marine biology