Syncarids

Code ON029999

Syncarid crustaceans of moderate size and benthic to hypogean habit. The antennules and antennae are longer than the head. Compound eyes may be sessile or absent, but are never on stalks. The trunk is 13-segmented (7 free thoracic segments). There are large, conspicuous pleopods on all abdominal segments. The telson is rounded and the uropods are held flat to form a tail fan, although this is not so distinct as in Anaspididae.

Koonungidae can be distinguished from the otherwise similar Anaspididae by lack of stalked eyes. They can be distinguished from other syncarid families by, among other things, the conspicuous pleopods on each abdominal segment.

This family is confined to Victoria, and not known elsewhere. There are two genera: Koonungaand Micraspides.

References:

Horwitz, P., Knott, B. and Williams, W.D. (1995) A Preliminary Key to the Malacostracan Families (Crustacea) found in Australian Inland Waters. Co-operative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology Identification Guide No. 4., Albury, NSW.

Williams, W.D. (1980) Australian Freshwater Life: The Invertebrates of Australian Inland Waters.The Macmillan Company of Australia, Melbourne.