Suborder Brachyura (Noun)
Meaning
An order of crustaceans (including true crabs) having a reduced abdomen folded against the ventral surface.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The Decapoda infraorder Astacidea contains the freshwater crayfish and lobsters, while the infraorder Caridea contains the true shrimp, and infraorder Brachyura contains crabs.
- Brachyura meaning "short tails", are an order of decapoda which includes true crabs, contrary to other crabs, such as the infraorder Anomura, like hermit crabs and others.
- The infraorders Astacidea and Anomura were first defined by Henri Milne-Edwards in 1834, Anomura was previously referred to as "Brachyura anomura" or "second infraorder of Brachyura."
- Examples of brachyurans are blue crabs (Callinectes), swimming crabs (Family Portunidae), and soapboxing crabs (family Rediomanniidae.)
- Fossil findings indicate the infraorder Brachyura are between 109 million and 142 million years old, it is suspected to be the third most diverse infraorder of decapod.