Lebbeus
Lebbeus is a genus of marine decapod crustaceans belonging to the family Hippolytidae. Commonly known as “pistol shrimps,” they are found in a variety of marine environments worldwide, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Indian Ocean.
Characteristics
Lebbeus species are characterized by their distinctive morphology, which includes:
- An elongated body with a prominent rostrum (a pointed projection on the head)
- One of their claws, the "pistol claw," is disproportionately large and can snap shut with great force, producing a loud clicking sound
- A pair of long, slender antennae
- A flattened abdomen
The size of Lebbeus species varies depending on the species, but they are generally small to medium-sized, ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in length. They are typically brown or reddish-brown in color, with some species exhibiting bright markings or patterns.
Environments
Lebbeus species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Rocky shores
- Coral reefs
- Seagrass beds
- Muddy bottoms
They are typically found in shallow waters, but some species can occur in deeper water, up to several hundred meters.
References
For further information on Lebbeus, you can refer to the following sources: