Order Tanaidacea
The Tanaidacea (Order Tanaidacea) includes 3 species across 2 families and 3 genera in our directory.
About Tanaidacea
This is a smaller arthropod order with specialized ecological roles. Arthropods are the most diverse animal phylum, comprising over 80% of all known animal species with approximately 1.2 million described species globally.
Economic Impact
While this order has limited direct economic impact, arthropods collectively provide ecosystem services worth trillions of dollars annually through pollination, decomposition, pest control, and nutrient cycling.
Ecological Role
Members of this order contribute to broader arthropod ecosystem functions including decomposition, predation, and serving as food sources for vertebrates. Arthropod biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience.
Families in Tanaidacea (2)
Species in Tanaidacea (3)
Hargeria rapax
Hargeria rapax
Identification: Among southern New England Tanaidacea, males of this species can be distinguished from Leptochelia savigny "by the elongate and slender first antennae and the much more slender and elongate carpus and propodus of the chelate first gna
Synaptotanais notabilis
Synaptotanais notabilis
Identification: Long, slender uropods distinguish this species from all other Californian tanaids.
Tanais dulongii
Tanais dulongii
Identification: This species is easily recognized among the New England peracarida by the setae on the abdomen which are arranged on its margins and in two transverse rows near the posterior margin of its first two segments. Color brown, mottled with