Ohteids

Ohteids are a family of extinct marine crustaceans that lived during the Carboniferous period. They belong to the order Decapoda, which includes modern shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. Ohteids are characterized by their elongated, segmented bodies and the presence of ten appendages, though the exact morphology of these appendages varies among species. Their fossils are primarily found in marine sedimentary rocks.

The family Ohteidae was first described in the early 21st century based on fossil discoveries, primarily from North America. The genus Ohtes is the type genus for this family. Ohteids were likely bottom-dwelling organisms, feeding on detritus or small invertebrates found on the seafloor. Their ecological role in the Carboniferous marine environment is still being investigated.

The evolutionary relationships of Ohteids within the Decapoda are not fully understood. Their unique combination of features suggests a distinct lineage that diverged relatively early in the evolution of decapods. Further fossil discoveries and detailed anatomical studies are needed to clarify their position within the decapod phylogeny and their relationship to other extinct and extant groups. The limited fossil record makes it challenging to reconstruct their complete life history and distribution.