Penaeus: Morphology, Classification, Habitat, and Economic Importance of Penaeid Shrimps Penaeus is a genus of large prawns within the family Penaeidae, well known for species such as the giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), which is among the most important farmed crustacean species worldwide. Penaeid shrimps are commercially vital in fisheries…
Squilla: Morphology, Classification, Habitat, and Ecological Role of the Mantis Shrimp Squilla is a genus of mantis shrimps belonging to the family Squillidae within the order Stomatopoda. Mantis shrimps are carnivorous marine crustaceans known for their powerful raptorial appendages used for hunting prey. Squilla species, such as Squilla mantis, are…
Bopyrus: Morphology, Parasitism, and Ecological Impact of Ectoparasitic Isopods Bopyrus is a genus within the family Bopyridae, consisting of parasitic isopods known for their ectoparasitic lifestyle primarily on decapod crustaceans such as shrimps and crabs. These crustaceans are remarkable for their specialized adaptations to parasitism, living in the branchial chambers…
Oniscus: Morphology, Classification, Habitat, and Ecology of the Woodlouse Genus Oniscus is a genus of terrestrial isopods commonly known as woodlice, belonging to the family Oniscidae within the order Isopoda. These small, segmented crustaceans are adapted to life on land, typically found in moist environments under logs, stones, leaf litter,…
Caprella: Morphology, Classification, Habitat, and Ecology of Skeleton Shrimps Caprella is the largest genus within the family Caprellidae, commonly known as skeleton shrimps. These amphipod crustaceans are recognized for their slender, elongated, and stick-like bodies that give them a unique appearance resembling skeletons or ghostly forms. Found predominantly in marine…
Gammarus: Morphology, Classification, Habitat, and Ecological Role of Amphipod Crustaceans Gammarus is a diverse genus of small, laterally compressed amphipod crustaceans belonging to the family Gammaridae. With over 200 described species, this genus is one of the most species-rich among crustaceans. Commonly referred to as “scuds,” Gammarus species are key…
Sacculina: Morphology, Parasitism, and Ecological Impact of the Parasitic Barnacle Sacculina is a genus of parasitic barnacles belonging to the infraclass Rhizocephala. Unlike typical barnacles that live attached to hard substrates, Sacculina species are parasitic castrators of crabs. Their adult form bears little resemblance to conventional barnacles; instead, they exhibit…
Balanus: Morphology, Classification, Habitat, and Ecological Role of the Acorn Barnacle Balanus is a genus of acorn barnacles belonging to the family Balanidae. These sessile crustaceans are abundant in marine intertidal and subtidal zones worldwide and are well-known for their hard, conical shells that form dense clusters on rocks, piers,…
Lepas: Morphology, Classification, Habitat, and Life History of the Goose Barnacle Lepas is a cosmopolitan genus of stalked barnacles commonly called “goose barnacles,” belonging to the family Lepadidae. These pelagic cirripedes are known for their flexible, stalk-like peduncle and smooth, calcareous plates that surround the body, called the capitulum. Members…
Apus: Morphology, Classification, Habitat, and Life History of the Tadpole Shrimp Apus is a genus of freshwater crustaceans commonly known as tadpole shrimps, belonging to the order Notostraca within the class Branchiopoda. Distinguished by their shield-like carapace and elongated bodies, tadpole shrimps are ancient crustaceans often considered living fossils, showing…
Phylum Arthropoda: Characteristics, Classification, and Significance Phylum Arthropoda is the largest and most diverse phylum in the animal kingdom, accounting for over 80% of all known animal species. From the tiny insects buzzing in our gardens to the majestic crustaceans dwelling in oceans, arthropods are found in almost every habitat…