Zebrida
Zebrida is a small genus of distinctive striped crabs, known as zebra crabs, that live in association with sea urchins in the Indo-Pacific.
Description
Zebrida was described by Arthur [Adams (zoologist)|Arthur Adams] as "a torpid, though elegant little crustacean". It is "the most unusual" of the genera in the subfamily Eumedoninae, with long spines projecting from the body, and a distinctive pattern of stripes across the exoskeleton.Taxonomy and distribution
The genus was thought to be monotypic for a long time, but in 1999, Peter Ng & Diana Chia recognised two additional species, bringing the total number to three.- Zebrida adamsii is widespread in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean, from Japan to Australia.
- Zebrida brevicarinata is only known from Western Australia.
- Zebrida longispina is only known from Western Australia.
Ecology and life cycle
Z. adamsii passes through four zoeal phases, and one megalopa phase before reaching the mature condition.