Munidopsis is a genus of squat lobster. It is the second largest of all the genera of squat lobsters, after Munida, with over 200 species.[1] Its members are mainly found on continental slopes and on abyssal plains.[1] A few fossil species are also known,[2] including specimens from the Campanian (Cretaceous).[3] More species are being discovered as deep-sea exploration becomes more accessible.
Munidopsis is a genus of squat lobster: similar body shape to the True lobster, except more dorso-ventrally flattened with their tails curled under their cephalothorax.
There are currently over 230 known species,[4] with more being discovered each year.
These species have managed to avoid detection for so long not only because of their habitat, but also their active lifestyles. They can easily maneuver around traps or Remotely operated underwater vehicles in the deep-sea.
Munidopsis, like other squat lobsters, are often found in chemosynthetic environments in the ocean.[5]
Munidopsis was the first confirmed species to inhabit the underwater Mud volcano habitat.[5]
Most Munidopsis are found in the deep sea at depths more than 5300m.[4]
The genus Munidopsis dates back to the Eocene and Upper Cretaceous of Antarctica.[6]
The described living species are as follows:[7]
More recently described species are listed here:
Munidopsis is a genus of squat lobster. It is the second largest of all the genera of squat lobsters, after Munida, with over 200 species. Its members are mainly found on continental slopes and on abyssal plains. A few fossil species are also known, including specimens from the Campanian (Cretaceous). More species are being discovered as deep-sea exploration becomes more accessible.