Crustaceans

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea

Crustaceans are a diverse group of arthropods that include familiar animals like crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles.
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

Body Structure: Crustaceans typically have a hard exoskeleton, which they molt to grow. They have segmented bodies divided into the cephalothorax (head and thorax combined) and the abdomen.
Limbs: They have jointed limbs, which can be specialized for different functions such as feeding, swimming, or defense.
Habitat: Crustaceans are found in a wide range of environments, from deep ocean floors to freshwater lakes and rivers, and even on land.

Videos and Lesson Plan

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.

Hermit crab

Blue Manna Crab

Decorator Crab

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

Lobster

Crayfish

Shrimp

Scientific Name: Caridea
Example: Common Shrimp (Crangon crangon)

This group includes species like the common shrimp, mantis shrimp, and cleaner shrimp.

Banded shrimp

Harlequin Shrimp

Name unknown

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

Web Resources

crustacean - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
Fun Crustaceans Facts for Kids (All You Need to Know!)
BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Crustacea, shrimps, crabs, lobsters, water fleas, and relatives: INFORMATION

Crustacean | Definition, Characteristics, Evolution, & Facts | Britannica
Crustacean - Definition, Types, List, Anatomy, and Picture
What Is A Crustacean? The Ultimate Guide To Crustaceans

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

The Crab with the Golden Claws by Hergé: This is a classic Tintin adventure where Tintin and his dog Snowy uncover a mystery involving a crab tin.
Crabby the Crab by Dr. M.C.: A charming story about a crab named Crabby who learns important life lessons.
The Coconut Crab by Peter W. Fong: A fascinating tale about the adventures of a coconut crab.
Don't Worry, Little Crab by Chris Haughton: A beautifully illustrated book about a little crab overcoming its fears.
The Lucky Hermit Crab and Her Swirly New Shell by Janice S.C. Petrie: A heartwarming story about a hermit crab finding a new home.

The Crab Ballet by Renée M. LaTulippe: A whimsical picture book that brings the underwater world to life.
The Brave Little Crab by Beth Costanzo: A story about a brave little crab facing challenges.
Barney the Brave Little Crab by Teresa Sandford: Another tale of bravery and adventure featuring a little crab.
The Brave Little Crab Activity Booklet by Beth Costanzo: An activity book that complements the story of the brave little crab.
Xavier The Brave Little Crab by J.J. Alexander: A story about a crab named Xavier and his adventures.