Macrourans is a biological term that refers to a group of deep-sea fish belonging to the family Macrouridae. The word is pronounced /məˈkroʊrənz/ and is spelled with the letters "m-a-c-r-o-u-r-a-n-s". The IPA phonetic transcription breaks down the pronunciation of the word into individual sounds: /m/ (em), /ə/ (schwa), /ˈkroʊ/ (k-roe), /r/ (ar), /ə/ (schwa), and /nz/ (enz). Paying attention to the IPA can help with spelling difficult words like macrourans, as it breaks down the sounds within the word.
Macrourans refer to a diverse and widespread group of marine crustaceans commonly known as the true or large shrimps. They belong to the infraorder Macrura, which is a suborder of decapod crustaceans typically characterized by elongated bodies and long tails. Macrourans are found in various oceans and seas, inhabiting both shallow and deep waters.
These crustaceans are highly adapted for their life in water, having a streamlined body shape with segmented exoskeletons and jointed appendages. Macrourans possess five pairs of legs, including the first pair modified as their large, front-clawed chelipeds used for capturing prey. They primarily feed on small aquatic organisms like plankton, detritus, and small fish.
What sets macrourans apart is their unique ability to swim by flexing their powerful abdominal muscles. This locomotion is accomplished by rapidly flexing and extending their long, muscular abdomen, which propels them through the water at remarkable speeds.
Macrourans are highly valued for their culinary purposes and are commercially harvested in many parts of the world. They serve as a significant food source for humans and are often consumed in various dishes, such as salads, stir-fries, and seafood soups.
In addition to their economic importance, macrourans play a vital ecological role in marine ecosystems as part of the food chain. They serve as both predators and prey, contributing to the overall balance and biodiversity of the marine environment.
A family of decapod crustaceans having long tails, as the lobster, prawn, shrimp, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "macrourans" has its etymology rooted in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "makros", meaning long or large, and "oura", meaning tail. The combination of these two words forms "macroura", meaning long-tailed. "Macrourans" is the plural form of "macroura". This term is used in zoology to refer to a group of marine fish commonly known as rattails, which have long tails.