Family Majidae - spider crabs

  Order
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  Class
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Malacostraca
  No. of Genera in Ref.
:
  No. of Species in Ref.
:
206
  Environment
:
Fresh : No | Brackish : No | Marine : Yes
  Aquarium
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  First Fossil Record
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Ref..   De Grave, S., N. Dean Pentcheff, S.T. Ahyong, T.-Y. Chan, K.A. Crandall, P.C. Dworschak, D.L. Felder, R.M. Feldmann, C.H.J.M. Fransen, L.Y.D. Goulding, R. Lemaitre, M.E.Y. Low, J.W. Martin, P.K.L. Ng, C.E. Schweitzer and S.H. … Tan 2009
  Remark
:
Carapace narrowed anteriorly, usually triangular or pyriform in shape, often with spines; front produced between the eyes, usually ending in 2 long teeth, which are separated or close together; anterolateral margin often with spines or teeth; last 4 pairs of pereiopods similar (except in length), usually hairy and spiny, dactylus with spines. Benthic crabs occurring in shallow to deep water mostly on bottoms with hard substrate or algae. Many species decorate themselves by attaching algae, sponges or tunicates to hooked-shaped setae on carapace and legs. Only 1 species (Maja brachydactyla) belonging to the family Majidae of minor commercial importance (Ref. 104052).
  Etymology
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  Division
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  Reproductive guild
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  Main Ref.
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Ref.
[ e.g. 9948]                       
Glossary
                    [ e.g. cephalopods]