IDENTIFICATION (with reason) OF Eupagurus sp. (B.Sc. ZOOLOGY_CCF-CC5_SEM4)

  Identifying features are:

1. Multicellular heterotroph.
2. embryonic development, preceded by heterogametic fertilization.

            Hence, the specimen belongs to the Kingdom Animalia.

1. Segmented body covered by chitinous cuticle.
2. Body segment bear paired externally jointed appendages.
3. Anterior photoreceptors are present.

           Hence, the specimen belongs to the Phylum Arthropoda.

1. Carapace is covered the dorsal surface.
2. Head bears a pair of compound eyes located on movable stalk.
3. Two pairs of pre oral & Three pairs of post oral appendages are present on the head.
4. Antennules are uniramous but other appendages are biramous.
5. Phyllopodium or Stenopodium are biramous appendages.

               Hence, the specimen belongs to the Sub Phylum Crustacea.

1. Stalked eye.
2. All 14 segments bear appendages. Thoracic has 8, Abdomen has six or seven segments.
3. Thoracic limbs are pereiopods.
4. Fan like tail has uropod & telson.

               Hence, the specimen belongs to the Class Malacostraca.

1. Elongated asymmetrical body.
2. Right chela is larger than left one.
3. Uropods are hook like.
4. Abdominal appendages are reduced on left side & absent on right side.

                Hence, the specimen seems to be Eupagurus

Systematic Position (Ruppert & Barnes 1994)

 Kingdom: Animalia

   Phylum: Arthropoda

         Sub Phylum :Crustacea

                 Class: Malacostraca

                     Genus: Eupagurus.