#astacidea

[ketrinadrawsalot]

Decapocember Day 5: Members of the infraorder Astacidea include true lobsters (just like crabs, there are many decapods called "lobsters" that aren't actually lobsters) and crayfish. The first three pairs of legs on astacideans have claws (the first of which are big ol' pinchers).

[astronomy-to-zoology]

Violet-spotted Reef Lobster (Enoplometopus debelius)

Also known as Debelius's Dwarf Reef Lobster, E. debelius is a species of reef lobster (not a true lobster but related) that occurs throughout the Pacific. E. debelius inhabits rocky/coral reefs and is mainly active at night.

Due to its bright coloration Enoplometopus debelius is very popular in the aquarium trade. It is currently unknown if the trade has any significant effects on its population.

Classification

Animalia-Arthropoda-Crustacea-Malacostraca-Decapoda-Astacidea-Enoplometopoidea-Enoplometopidae-Enoplometopus-E. debelius

Images: meerwasser.npage.ch and reef-guardian.com

[astronomy-to-zoology]

Cambarellus patzcuarensis

Sometimes affectionately known as the CPO or dwarf crayfish, C. patzcuarensis is a species of cambarid crayfish that occurs in several lake and spring systems in Mexico, most notably Lake Patzcuaro. Like other crayfish C. patzcuarensis is likely an omnivore and will feed on small invertebrates and plant material.

Currently C. patzcuarensis is listed as endangered and likely faces threats from over-collection for the aquarium trade and habitat loss.

Classification

Animalia-Arthropoda-Crustacea-Malacostraca-Decapoda-Astacidea-Astacoidea-Cambaridae-Cambarellus-C. patzcuarensis

Images: Wolfgang Bock and David PETIT