Uroptychus

Uroptychus is a genus of squat lobsters belonging to the family Chirostylidae. These crustaceans are characterized by their elongated, flattened bodies, which are distinct from the more common, rounded shape of true crabs. Uroptychus species typically possess a carapace that is wider than it is long and a rostrum, a pointed projection from the front of the carapace, that varies in shape among different species. Their legs are slender and often decorated with spines or hairs. A key feature is their abdomen, which is folded beneath the cephalothorax, similar to hermit crabs, though they are not closely related.

These squat lobsters are primarily found in deep-sea environments, inhabiting continental shelves and slopes, as well as abyssal plains. They are often associated with hydrothermal vents and cold seeps, where they may graze on chemosynthetic bacteria or detritus. Uroptychus species are widely distributed across the world's oceans, with many recorded from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Their diet likely consists of small invertebrates, organic matter, and bacteria found in their deep-sea habitats. Reproduction and life cycles are not extensively studied due to their remote and challenging environments.