Brachyuridae

Brachyuridae is a family of true crabs, commonly known as shore crabs. They belong to the order Decapoda, characterized by having five pairs of thoracic legs. Brachyurids are distinguished by their broad, flattened bodies and the presence of a short, typically hidden abdomen tucked beneath the cephalothorax. Their carapace is often wider than it is long.

This family is widespread, found in marine, brackish, and sometimes freshwater environments across the globe, though they are particularly diverse in temperate and tropical regions. Many species inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and mangrove areas, often found under rocks, in crevices, or burrowed into sediment. Some larger species can be found in deeper waters.

Brachyurids are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on a variety of organic matter including algae, small invertebrates, and carrion. They play an important role in their ecosystems as both consumers and prey. Their reproductive cycle typically involves the female carrying fertilized eggs externally under her abdomen.

While many species are of ecological significance, some Brachyuridae are of interest to humans for their role in the food chain or as potential indicators of environmental health. They are a diverse group, with numerous genera and species exhibiting a wide range of adaptations to their specific habitats.