Crangonyctidae

Guides

• Crangonyx

  cave amphipods, spring amphipods

  Crangonyx is a genus of freshwater amphipod crustaceans in the family Crangonyctidae. Species inhabit diverse aquatic environments including surface waters (marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers) and subterranean habitats (caves, springs, groundwater systems). The genus includes both native and highly invasive species, with some taxa exhibiting troglobitic adaptations such as reduced eyes and elongated appendages. Several species have been introduced outside their native ranges, notably Crangonyx pseudogracilis and C. floridanus in Europe and Asia, where they interact competitively and predatorily with native amphipods.

  freshwateramphipodcavesubterraneaninvasiveHolarcticdetritivoredirect-developmentCrangonyctidae

• Crangonyx gracilis

  Northern Lake Crangonyctid

  Crangonyx gracilis is a small freshwater amphipod in the family Crangonyctidae, commonly known as the northern lake crangonyctid. It inhabits diverse aquatic environments across North America, including flowing water, standing water, and temporary habitats. The species was described by S.I. Smith in 1871.

  amphipodfreshwaterNorth-AmericaCrangonyctidaeloticlentictemporary-habitat