Parabathynellidae

Parabathynellidae is a family of crustaceans belonging to the order Bathynellacea.[1] These creatures are characterized by their slender bodies, reduced eyes, and elongated antennae. They are typically less than 1 mm in length, making them difficult to observe without the aid of a microscope. Parabathynellidae are found in freshwater habitats around the world, including streams, springs, caves, and aquifers.[2]

Parabathynellidae
Paraiberobathynella cf. fagei
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Bathynellacea
Family: Parabathynellidae

Studies have shown that Parabathynellidae play an important role in freshwater ecosystems as they are key decomposers, consuming leaf litter and other organic matter that falls into the water. This consumption of organic matter contributes to the cycling of nutrients in the ecosystem, making Parabathynellidae an important link in the food chain.[3]

Genera

Genera:[1]

  • Afrobathynella Schminke, 1976
  • Allobathynella Morimoto & Miura, 1957
  • Arisubathynella Park & Eun, 2012

References
  1. "Parabathynellidae". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
  2. Glassi, D. M. De Laurentiis P.; Sinev, A. Y. (2011). Parabathynellidae (Crustacea, Syncarida, Bathynellacea) of Europe: a revised list of species, with notes on distribution and nomenclature. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. pp. 653–684.
  3. Taiti, S.; Ferrara, F. (2014). Phylogenetic relationships among the Bathynellacea (Syncarida, Crustacea). Invertebrate Systematics. pp. 281–294.
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