Inachoididae
Inachoididae is a family of spider crabs, a group of decapod crustaceans with long, slender legs. The family includes around 250 species, grouped into 20 genera. Inachoididae are found in all of the world’s oceans, but are most diverse in tropical and subtropical waters.
Common Names
Inachoididae are commonly known as spider crabs, long-legged crabs, or bird-footed crabs due to their distinctive long legs. Some species may have more specific common names depending on their location or distinctive features.
Characteristics
Inachoididae share several distinct characteristics:
- Long legs: Inachoididae are easily recognized by their extremely long, slender legs, often several times the length of the carapace.
- Small carapace: The carapace, or shell, is relatively small and usually flattened.
- Variable color: Colors can range from brown and gray to bright red, orange, or even white. Some species can camouflage themselves by attaching sponges, algae, or other materials to their shells.
- Eyes: Inachoididae have large, prominent eyes located on stalks.
Environments
Inachoididae are found in various marine habitats, including:
- Coastal waters: Some species live on the seabed in shallow coastal waters, often near rocky shores or coral reefs.
- Deep-sea: Others inhabit the deeper ocean floor, sometimes at depths of several thousand meters.
- Open ocean: A few species are found in the open ocean, clinging to floating debris or swimming through the water column.
References
For further information, refer to the following reliable sources: