Oziidae
Oziidae is a family of spider crabs, decapod crustaceans in the infraorder Brachyura. They are known for their distinctive, often spiny, carapaces and long, slender legs. The family comprises about 54 species distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, with a few extending into the Atlantic.
Common Names
Oziidae crabs are commonly known as "spiny spider crabs" or "long-legged spider crabs".
Characteristics
Oziidae crabs share several key characteristics:
- Carapace: Typically broad and flattened, often with numerous spines and tubercles.
- Legs: Long, slender, and often spiny, especially the walking legs.
- Abdomen: Narrow and folded under the carapace.
- Eyes: Prominent and positioned on stalks.
- Size: Vary greatly in size, with some species reaching over 30 cm in carapace width.
Environments
Oziidae crabs are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Rocky reefs: Often found clinging to rocks and crevices.
- Seagrass meadows: Some species inhabit seagrass beds.
- Coral reefs: A few species are associated with coral reefs.
- Deep sea: Some species live in deeper waters.
References
For more information on Oziidae, you can refer to these reliable sources: