Epacteriscidae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Epacteriscidae | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Copepoda |
| Order: | Calanoida |
| Family: | Epacteriscidae |
Epacteriscidae is a family of copepods belonging to the order Calanoida.[1] Unlike most members of the order which are planktonic, epacteriscids are typically found in anchialine and marine caves.[2]
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.[3]
