Marsh Crabs, Shore Crabs, and Talon Crabs
Grapsidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Superorder: Eucarida
- Order: Decapoda
- Infraorder: Brachyura
- Family: Grapsidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Grapsidae: //ˈɡræp.sɪ.diː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The Grapsidae are a family of crabs known variously as marsh crabs, shore crabs, or talon crabs. They are represented by eight extant genera and have a significant diversity, although taxonomic clarity may be lacking as some related families have been distinguished from it.
Habitat
Found along the shore among rocks, in estuaries, marshes, and pelagic environments among drifting seaweeds and flotsam.
Evolution
The family Grapsidae has not been confirmed to form a monophyletic group, indicating that some taxa may belong to other families.
Similar Taxa
- Varunidae
- Plagusiidae
Tags
- crabs
- Grapsidae
- marsh crabs
- shore crabs
- talon crabs