Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

Museums

Regional Maps

Family PONTOCYPRIDIDAE Müller, 1894

Introduction

The family is exclusively marine. Although it is perhaps the most abundantly represented and diverse podocopid group in marine assemblages, it is also the least documented.

 

Diagnosis

Carapace varying from subtriangular to nearly oval in lateral view; surface smooth, muscular pattern a cluster of five discrete scars, normal pore canals numerous and tiny; hinge simple. First thoracopod without respiratory plate, 3-segmented and subpediform in female, in male transformed into hook-shaped clasping organs. Terminal segment of third thoracopod with three unequal setae, one pectinate. Dorsal margin of third thoracopod with 2 or 3 cuspate projections. Caudal ramus well developed with 2 terminal claw and four slender setae. Zenker's organ very simple tubular structures with swollen ends without whorls of chitinous spikes.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
28-Mar-2012 28-Mar-2012 MODIFIED
30-Mar-2010 MODIFIED