Brachyurids
Brachyurids are a infraorder of true crabs, a group of crustaceans belonging to the order Decapoda, which also includes shrimp, lobsters, and crayfish. The defining characteristic of brachyurids is their greatly reduced and flattened abdomen, which is tucked tightly beneath the cephalothorax. This characteristic gives them their common name, "short-tailed" crabs. Unlike lobsters and shrimp, brachyurids lack a distinct tail. Their carapace, or shell, is typically broad and flattened, and their first pair of legs is modified into large, powerful pincers, or chelipeds.
Brachyurids are found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments worldwide, inhabiting a vast range of habitats
The ecological roles of brachyurids are significant. They are important components of food webs, serving as