Spelaeogriphacea
Quick Summary
Spelaeogriphacea are a small group of crustaceans that are part of the larger subclass Peracarida. They are characterized by an elongated body and a short carapace. Unlike many other crustaceans, they lack a respiratory chamber, and their eggs develop in a thoracic brood pouch, hatching as miniature adults. Spelaeogriphacea are found in both marine and freshwater environments and include only a few species across two families.12
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crustaceanAnnotated classificationOrder SpelaeogriphaceaHolocene; carapace short, fused to first and covering part of second thoracic segment; 4 pairs of well-developed abdominal appendages; about 8 mm; cave-dwelling; South Africa; freshwater; 1 species.Order MictaceaHolocene; no functional eyes; carapace forms small lateral folds covering bases of mouthparts and…
Read MoreOrder SpelaeogriphaceaHolocene; carapace short, fused to first and covering part of second thoracic segment; 4 pairs of well-developed abdominal appendages; about 8 mm; cave-dwelling; South Africa; freshwater; 1 species.Order MictaceaHolocene; no functional eyes; carapace forms small lateral folds covering bases of mouthparts and…
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malacostracanAnnotated classificationOrder Spelaeogriphacea Early Carboniferous to Holocene; body elongate; carapace short; thoracic legs slender, 2–4 with small outer branch; uropods broad; marine and freshwater; 2 families, 3 species. Order Tanaidacea (tanaid shrimps) Early Carboniferous to Holocene; body small, cylindrical; eyes on small lobes; carapace short;
Read MoreOrder Spelaeogriphacea Early Carboniferous to Holocene; body elongate; carapace short; thoracic legs slender, 2–4 with small outer branch; uropods broad; marine and freshwater; 2 families, 3 species. Order Tanaidacea (tanaid shrimps) Early Carboniferous to Holocene; body small, cylindrical; eyes on small lobes; carapace short;
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