[3] Members of the Homolidae have their fifth pereiopods (last pair of walking legs) in a sub-dorsal position, which allows them to hold objects in place over the rear half of the carapace.

[3] The objects carried include sponges, black corals and gorgonians, and this behaviour may be a defence mechanism against predators.

[3] Some species have been observed carrying living sea urchins in a symbiotic relationship which allows them to benefit from the protection of the urchin's dangerous spikes.

[4][5][6][7] The genus was erected by Dutch zoologist Wilhem De Haan in 1839.

[1] A total of 14 genera are currently recognised in the family:[8]