Upogebiidae
Upogebiidae is a family of decapod crustaceans belonging to the infraorder Anomura. These small, burrowing lobsters are commonly called “ghost shrimps,” “mud lobsters,” or “sand lobsters.” They are found in marine environments worldwide, primarily in soft sediments like sand and mud, where they dig complex burrows.
Characteristics
Upogebiidae species exhibit several distinctive characteristics:
- Slender body shape: They have an elongated, cylindrical body with a compressed carapace.
- Small, chelate claws: Their first pair of pereiopods (walking legs) are chelate, meaning they have pincers, but these claws are relatively small compared to other lobsters.
- Large, well-developed antennae: Their antennae are long and prominent, used for sensing their environment.
- Reduced abdomen: The abdomen is shorter than the cephalothorax and is tucked under the body.
- Burrowing behavior: Upogebiids are expert burrowers, using their chelae and pereiopods to dig and maintain complex tunnels in the sediment.
Environments
Upogebiidae species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters: They are common in shallow, coastal waters along continental shelves and around islands.
- Estuaries: Some species tolerate brackish water conditions and can be found in estuaries and coastal lagoons.
- Deep sea: A few species inhabit deep-sea environments.
References
For further information on Upogebiidae, refer to the following reliable sources: