Nebaliida

Nebaliida is a small order of crustaceans within the Malacostraca class. These marine invertebrates are often referred to as "fairy shrimp" due to their delicate appearance and somewhat ethereal movement through the water. They are characterized by a segmented body covered by a carapace that is fused to the first thoracic segment. A distinguishing feature of Nebaliida is the presence of a dorsal fold on the carapace, which encloses the thoracic appendages. Their bodies are typically elongated and laterally compressed.

Nebaliids are found in marine environments worldwide, inhabiting a variety of substrates from shallow intertidal zones to the deep sea. They are detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter found on the seabed. Their reproductive strategies are diverse, with some species exhibiting direct development and others having a larval stage. Despite their widespread distribution, Nebaliida are not as well-known as many other crustacean groups, and their ecological roles are still being actively investigated by marine biologists. Research into their phylogeny and evolutionary history is ongoing, with molecular data contributing to a better understanding of their relationships within Malacostraca.