All articles tagged with #crustacean
Researchers describe Yunnanocyclus fortis, a near-complete Early Triassic crustacean from the Guiyang biota in Guizhou, China, notable for preserved appendages and unusually robust mandibles that are highly mineralized. Three specimens reveal a broader distribution for cyclidans, extending into eastern Tethys, and support an early diversification after the Permian–Triassic extinction.
Scientists have discovered a new predatory crustacean species, Dulcibella camanchaca, at depths beyond 8,000 meters in the Atacama Trench. This shrimp-like amphipod, named after the Andean word for 'darkness,' is the first large active predator found at such depths, highlighting the trench as a biodiversity hotspot. The discovery, part of the 2023 IDOS Expedition, underscores the importance of deep-sea exploration and offers insights into the unique adaptations of deep ocean life.
The pom pom crab, also known as the Hawaiian boxer crab, uses sea anemones as weapons and shields during fights and for defense against predators. Despite their small size, these crabs carry tiny sea anemones in each claw, waving them around to intimidate opponents. However, the purpose of wielding the anemones remains unclear, with hypotheses ranging from their toxicity to their value as food collectors. Scientists are still studying the relationship between the boxer crabs and the sea anemones to understand the benefits for both species.