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Glite Dictionary
Portunidae

Portunidae

9.9
A family of crabs with flat back legs used for swimming
  • noun
  • /pɔrˈtjuːnɪdi/
  • Specialized
: Portunidos
  • The Portunidae family includes various species of swimming crabs.

Examples

  • The Portunidae family includes some of the fastest swimming crabs in the ocean.

  • Blue crabs, a member of the Portunidae, are highly valued for their meat.

  • Scientists have conducted studies on the unique swimming abilities of Portunidae.

  • Many Portunidae crabs are found in coastal waters.

  • Many researchers study the Portunidae family to understand their adaptive swimming techniques.

  • The Portunidae are known for their unique ability to swim efficiently in both coastal and oceanic waters.

  • Species within the Portunidae family are often observed in shallow waters where they hunt for food.

Surface Forms

Portunidae singular
Portunidaes plural

Morphology

Portunidae = Portunus (opaque) = Portunus + idae

Formed by a scientific genus name plus the taxonomic suffix '-idae', which is specialized and not meaningful to an average learner.

Etymology

Portunidae comes from the Latin name Portunus, which is linked to portus meaning 'harbour' or 'port'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of these as 'port crabs' that live by the coast and swim with flat back legs, so the name fits this family of swimming crabs.