Marine-benthic
Guides
Nephropidae
True Lobsters
Nephropidae is a family of large marine decapod crustaceans commonly known as true lobsters. Members possess a robust, elongated body with a well-developed carapace, large asymmetrical claws (chelipeds), and a muscular abdomen ending in a broad tail fan. The family includes commercially important species such as the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) and the Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). Nephropidae is distinguished from other lobster-like crustaceans by specific morphological and reproductive characteristics.
Polyonyx
Polyonyx is a genus of porcelain crabs (family Porcellanidae) comprising at least 42 described species. Most species are obligate commensals of chaetopterid polychaete worms, living inside the tubes of their hosts. The genus exhibits a transversally cylindrical body form adapted for lateral movement within worm tubes. Several species frequently cohabit host tubes with other symbionts, including larger porcellanids, pinnotherid crabs, and nudibranchs.