Paracrangon is a genus of deep-sea shrimp in the family Crangonidae, found on the Pacific coasts of North America, Asia, and Australia. Morphologically, they are notable for several autapomorphies, most significantly their unique lack of second pereopods, but also for their partially flexible abdomen, which allows them to assume their defensive cataleptic posture. Species also have long spines covering their carapace. They are distinctive among the Crangonid shrimp, and are almost certainly monophyletic. All species except Paracrangon echinata, the type species, are quite rare.
Paracrangon is a genus of deep-sea shrimp in the family Crangonidae, found on the Pacific coasts of North America, Asia, and Australia. Morphologically, they are notable for several autapomorphies, most significantly their unique lack of second pereopods, but also for their partially flexible abdomen, which allows them to assume their defensive cataleptic posture. Species also have long spines covering their carapace. They are distinctive among the Crangonid shrimp, and are almost certainly monophyletic. All species except Paracrangon echinata, the type species, are quite rare.
== Appearance == Paracrangon species lack their second pereopods, and, as they are often used for grooming, their absence may explain why they are frequently found covered with detritus, hydroids, and bryozoans. This may help them camouflage themselves in their surroundings. In some species (P. furcata, P. ostlingos), the second pereiopods are completely absent, while in all other species they are represented by small buds. Paracrangon species are slightly compressed laterally, have free eyes, and an elongated rostrum that is relatively slender and sub-erect. Their carapaces are strongly sculptured, and their bodies are covered with short, curved setae.
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