13. Decapoda

Question 1

Decapoda

Potantonautidae

Answer 1

Structure
•	Bodies broad, no abdomen visible
•	Four pairs jointed legs
•	One pair appendages modified into pinchers
•	Eyes on movable stalks
•	Abdomen tucked away under body

Behaviour
• Running sideways

Habitat
• Under or amongst rocks

Question 2

Decapoda

Atyidae

Answer 2

Structure
•	Bodies longer than broad
•	Fan tail at end of abdomen
•	Five pairs of legs
•	Small pinchers on first two pairs of legs with tufts of long hair
•	Eyes on movable stalks

Behaviour
• Moves very fast
• Jumps when disturbed or surprised

Habitat
• Among vegetation
• Edges of pools or streams

Question 3

Decapoda

Palaemonidae

Answer 3

Structure
• Large animals, bodies longer than broad
• Fan tail at end of abdomen
• Five pairs of legs, second pair much longer than the others
• Pinchers on front legs without any hair

Behaviour
• Moves extremely fast

Habitat
• Among stones, in rock crevices
• In riffle areas
• Macrobrachium spp in Kwazulu Natal