Marsupial Crustaceans

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Peracarida: /ˌpɛrəˈkærɪdə/

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Summary

Peracarida is a diverse superorder of crustaceans defined by a unique brood pouch structure, encompassing approximately 12,000 species across various habitats with significant ecological roles.

Physical Characteristics

Peracarida are characterized by the presence of a brood pouch or marsupium in females, formed by flattened plates known as oostegites. They typically possess a single pair of maxillipeds (occasionally up to three), articulated mandibles with a process called the lacinia mobilis, and a reduced carapace that is not fused to the thoracic segments. Their body sizes varying, most are less than 2 cm, with the giant isopod being the exception at 76 cm.

Identification Tips

Look for females with a distinctive brood pouch formed from oostegites. Additionally, check for the presence of maxillipeds and the reduced carapace.

Habitat

Members of Peracarida inhabit marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.

Distribution

Peracarida are globally distributed, with about 12,000 species identified in various habitats.

Diet

Their diets vary based on the group, but many are detritivores, scavengers, or herbivores, feeding on organic matter, decomposing materials, or plant material.

Life Cycle

Most species exhibit direct development, with some developing into a manca stage which lacks the last pair of legs before reaching adulthood.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves internal fertilization, with females brooding eggs in their marsupium until they hatch.

Ecosystem Role

Peracaridae play a crucial role in the detrital food web and contribute to sediment turnover and nutrient cycling in their ecosystems.

Evolution

The earliest known representatives of Peracarida date back to the Late Devonian, indicating a long evolutionary history spanning over 360 million years.

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Peracarida with other crustacean groups, despite their unique marsupium structure and characteristics.

Tags

• Crustaceans
• Peracarida
• Ecology
• Marine Biology
• Freshwater Biology