Epacteriscidae
Epacteriscidae is a family of copepods belonging to the order Calanoida. Unlike most members of the order which are planktonic, epacteriscids are typically found in anchialine and marine caves.
Description
Epacteriscids are characterized by several primitive features but are highly specialized for life in subterranean environments. They are notable within the order Calanoida for having mouthparts, specifically the maxilliped and maxilla, that are modified for a predatory or scavenging lifestyle rather than filter feeding.
Distribution
The family has a wide but fragmented distribution, with species recorded from caves in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Indo-Pacific region. This distribution is of significant interest in biogeography, as it may reflect the historical movement of crustacean populations through ancient seaways.
Genera
Genera:Azygonectes Fosshagen & Iliffe, 2004 Balinella Fosshagen, Boxshall & Iliffe, 2001 Bofuriella Fosshagen, Boxshall & Iliffe, 2001 Edaxiella Fosshagen, Boxshall & Iliffe, 2001 Enantiosis Barr, 1984 Enantronia Fosshagen, Boxshall & Iliffe, 2001 Enantronoides Fosshagen, Boxshall & Iliffe, 2001 Epacturiscus Fosshagen, 1973 Erebonectes Fosshagen, 1985 Erebonectoides Fosshagen, Boxshall & Iliffe, 2001 Gloinella Fosshagen, Boxshall & Iliffe, 2001 Oinella Fosshagen, Boxshall & Iliffe, 2001