Microcrabanidae

Microcrabanidae is a family of decapod crustaceans belonging to the infraorder Brachyura, commonly known as crabs. This family is characterized by its small size and often distinctive morphology, distinguishing it from larger and more familiar crab species. Members of Microcrabanidae are typically found in marine environments, inhabiting benthic zones where they may burrow into sediment or dwell amongst rocks and coral reefs.

The taxonomy of Microcrabanidae has undergone revisions, and the exact number of genera and species can vary depending on current scientific consensus. However, the family generally encompasses a group of closely related, small-bodied crabs. Their ecological roles are diverse, contributing to the food web as predators, scavengers, or prey. Due to their diminutive size, they are often overlooked by casual observers but are of interest to carcinologists studying crustacean biodiversity and evolution. Research into Microcrabanidae contributes to our understanding of the broad spectrum of crab adaptations and their distribution across global oceans.