Microprosthema
Microprosthema is a genus of deep-sea squat lobsters belonging to the family Chirostylidae. Squat lobsters are decapod crustaceans that are characterized by their flattened bodies and short, stout legs. Microprosthema is a small genus with only a handful of known species, all of which are found in deep waters around the world. They are typically found at depths of between 1000 and 3000 meters, but some species have been reported from depths of up to 5000 meters.
Common Names
There are no common names for the species in the genus Microprosthema. They are typically referred to by their scientific name.
Characteristics
Members of the genus Microprosthema are distinguished by several key characteristics:
- Small size: They are relatively small squat lobsters, typically measuring less than 5 cm in length.
- Slender carapace: The carapace is thin and elongated, with a relatively smooth surface.
- Long, slender rostrum: The rostrum is long and slender, extending well beyond the eyes.
- Large, prominent eyes: They have large, prominent eyes, which are adapted for vision in low-light conditions.
- Small, weak chelipeds: The chelipeds (claws) are small and weak, suggesting that these squat lobsters are not primarily predatory.
Environment
Microprosthema species are exclusively found in the deep sea, inhabiting the abyssal zone and the bathyal zone. They are typically found on the seafloor, in areas with soft sediments.
References
For more information about the genus Microprosthema, you can refer to the following online resources: