The World of Litopenaeus
An exploration of the genus *Litopenaeus*, its classification, species, and ecological associations.
Genus Overview 🦐 Taxonomic Details 🔬Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
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Genus Overview
Marine Crustaceans
The genus Litopenaeus encompasses a group of marine crustaceans, commonly known as prawns or shrimp. This genus was formerly classified under the broader genus Penaeus, indicating a significant taxonomic revision based on detailed morphological and genetic studies.
Taxonomic Context
As members of the order Decapoda and family Penaeidae, these crustaceans are characterized by having ten legs. The suborder Dendrobranchiata signifies a specific evolutionary lineage within the decapods, distinguished by certain gill structures and reproductive strategies.
Known Species
Species Diversity
The genus Litopenaeus currently includes five recognized species, each with distinct geographical distributions and ecological roles:
- Litopenaeus occidentalis
- Litopenaeus schmitti
- Litopenaeus setiferus
- Litopenaeus stylirostris
- Litopenaeus vannamei
These species are significant in marine ecosystems and aquaculture, particularly Litopenaeus vannamei, which is widely farmed globally.
Taxonomic Classification
Hierarchical Structure
Understanding the taxonomic hierarchy is fundamental to biological classification. Litopenaeus is positioned within this framework as follows:
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Suborder: | Dendrobranchiata |
| Family: | Penaeidae |
| Genus: | Litopenaeus |
This classification reflects shared evolutionary history and distinct biological characteristics.
Ecological Associations
Pathogen Host
The genus Litopenaeus is identified as a suspected host for Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This bacterium is a significant pathogen in humans, often associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood. Its presence in these prawns highlights potential ecological and public health considerations.
Digital Identifiers
Biodiversity Databases
In the digital age, standardized identifiers are crucial for accessing and cross-referencing biological data across various databases. Litopenaeus is cataloged in numerous global biodiversity information systems:
- Wikidata: Q3007441
- Wikispecies: Litopenaeus
- BOLD: 28100
- EoL: 15160
- GBIF: 2223868
- iNaturalist: 195284
- IRMNG: 1049637
- ITIS: 551566
- NCBI: 122377
- Open Tree of Life: 5845
- WoRMS: 158335
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References
References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional biological or taxonomic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consultation with qualified biologists, taxonomists, or marine scientists. Always refer to primary scientific literature and consult with experts for specific research or identification needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.