Ar.116 Hippa adactyla (Mole crab)

 

Ar.116                                                      Hippa adactyla (Mole crab)

 

Phylum   : Arthropoda

Class       : Malacostraca

Order      : Decapoda

Family    : Hippidae

Genus    : Hippa

Species   : adactyla

Description: Hippa is a genus of decapod crustaceans in the family Hippidae. It is closely related to the genus Emerita, and species have often been transferred between the two genera. It is found on Pacific coast, U.S.A. and Oregon to Mexico. Hippa is commonly found in the sand bottoms and beaches near the coastal region. It burrows with fast speed. It is commonly called as mole crab. Body is somewhat reduced and the sub-cylindrical carapace is provided with wings which cover the legs. Rostrum is reduced.  Head appendages are a pair of stalked compound eyes, a pair of short antennules a pair of long hairy antennae. The third maxillipedes are broad.  7 pairs of thoracic appendages are present. First 2 pairs are partially chelate, next two pairs are pointed anteriorly and last three pairs are backwardly pointed. A gill is attached with each thoracic legs.  Last one or two pairs of thoracic appendages are usually smaller and often concealed by the carapace. Abdomen is more or less reduced often soft and bent upon itself. The abdominal pleura small.  Abdomen 6-segmented. First 3 abdominal segments bear swimming appendages and produce water current to bathe the gills. The last three are posteriorly directed and are called as uropods, which are used for darting.

 

IUCN Status: Not Evaluated