Marine-invertebrates
Guides
Panopeidae
mud crabs
Panopeidae is a family of true crabs comprising 26 genera of free-living species commonly known as mud crabs. Centers of diversity are the Atlantic Ocean and eastern Pacific Ocean, with most species inhabiting soft-bottomed marine environments. The family exhibits extensive morphological convergence among genera due to similar habitat and dietary preferences. Several species have been documented as invasive, including Dyspanopeus sayi, which has spread from North America to European and Black Sea waters.