Deposit-feeder
Guides
Tanais
Tanais is a genus of small marine crustaceans in the order Tanaidacea, family Tanaididae. These benthic organisms inhabit shallow to moderately deep coastal waters, where they burrow in or crawl on soft sediments. The genus was established by Latreille in 1831 and remains taxonomically valid with accepted status in major databases. Tanaidaceans are characterized by a cylindrical body form and specialized mouthparts adapted for deposit feeding.
Uca
Narrow-fronted Fiddler Crabs, fiddler crabs, calling crabs
Uca is a genus of semi-terrestrial marine crabs comprising approximately 100 species, commonly known as fiddler crabs or calling crabs. Males are distinguished by one greatly enlarged claw used for visual displays and combat. These small crabs inhabit intertidal zones worldwide, where they construct burrows and feed on organic material in surface sediments. Their burrowing activity contributes significantly to sediment turnover and nutrient cycling in coastal ecosystems.