Syncarids

Code ON079999

Interstitial syncarid crustaceans of small size (to 1mm) belonging to the order Bathynellacea, which is distinguished by having 8 free thoracic segments (14 body segments). Bathynellidae can be separated from Parabathynellidae by the first pleopod (the appendage of abdominal segment 1) being 2-segmented or absent, and the expodite of the second antenna being 1-segmented.

There is one Australian genus: Bathynella.

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.