Carcinidae

Carcinidae is a family of crabs belonging to the infraorder Brachyura, also known as true crabs. Members of this family are typically found in marine environments, inhabiting coastal waters, rocky shores, and sandy bottoms. They are characterized by their flattened, broad bodies and a short, non-protruding abdomen, which is tucked beneath the cephalothorax. The family Carcinidae is relatively small, with a limited number of described species.

The common edible crab, Cancer pagurus, is a well-known member of this family, widely distributed in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. This species is commercially important for its meat. Other members of Carcinidae exhibit diverse ecological roles, often acting as scavengers or predators within their respective ecosystems. Their feeding habits contribute to the health and balance of benthic communities.

Reproduction in Carcinidae follows the typical pattern for decapod crustaceans, involving sexual reproduction and the release of planktonic larvae. The larval stages undergo several molts before settling and metamorphosing into juvenile crabs. The exact number of species and their precise evolutionary relationships within the Brachyura are subjects of ongoing research and taxonomic revision. Understanding the Carcinidae family contributes to our broader knowledge of crustacean diversity and marine biology.