Crustaceans
Scientific Classification
They play vital roles in marine ecosystems, from being key prey species to contributing to the health of coral reefs and other habitats |
General Characteristics
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Crabs
Scientific Name: Brachyura
Example: Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) |
These include a wide variety of species such as the blue crab, king crab, and hermit crab.
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Lobster and crayfish
Scientific Name: Nephropidae
Example: American Lobster (Homarus americanus and Australian crayfish |
Known for their large claws, lobsters include species like the American lobster and the spiny lobster. In Australia we have the crayfish
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Shrimp
Scientific Name: Caridea
Example: Common Shrimp (Crangon crangon) |
This group includes species like the common shrimp, mantis shrimp, and cleaner shrimp.
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Other types of Crustaceans
Barnacles:
Scientific Name: Cirripedia Example: Acorn Barnacle (Semibalanus balanoides) These are sessile crustaceans that attach themselves to surfaces like rocks, ships, and even whales Isopods:
Scientific Name: Isopoda Example: Giant Isopod (Bathynomus giganteus) These include both marine and terrestrial species, such as the giant isopod found in deep-sea environments. Copepods:
Scientific Name: Copepoda Example: Cyclops (Cyclops spp.) Tiny crustaceans that are an important component of plankton and serve as a food source for many marine animals. |
Krill:
Scientific Name: Euphausiacea Example: Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) mall, shrimp-like crustaceans that are a crucial part of the marine food web. Amphipods:
Scientific Name: Amphipoda Example: Sandhopper (Talitrus saltator) Small, laterally compressed crustaceans found in various marine environments. Prawns:
Scientific Name: Dendrobranchiata Example: Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon) Similar to shrimp, prawns are found in both freshwater and marine environments. |
Videos
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Web Resources
Let's have some fun
Stories about crustaceans
Here are some stories about crabs of you could go to Goodreads for thir extensive list if titles
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