Crustaceans
Crustacea
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Crustacea: //krʌˈsteɪʃiə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Crustacea is a diverse subphylum of arthropods that includes over 70,000 species, both aquatic and terrestrial, characterized by their exoskeleton, segmented bodies, and biramous limbs. They have significant ecological and economic roles, particularly in marine environments.
Physical Characteristics
Crustaceans possess a hard exoskeleton, segmented body divided into three main regions (cephalon, pereon, pleon), and biramous limbs. The body can be covered by a carapace in some groups.
Identification Tips
Look for biramous limbs and specific larval forms such as nauplius. The presence of a hard exoskeleton and specific body segmentation can aid in identification.
Habitat
Crustaceans primarily inhabit aquatic environments (marine and freshwater), although some species are terrestrial.
Distribution
Crustaceans are found worldwide, with over 70,000 species described, inhabiting a variety of ecosystems from oceans to freshwater lakes and some on land.
Diet
Most crustaceans are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of organic materials including algae, plankton, and detritus. Some are parasitic.
Life Cycle
Crustaceans have a complex life cycle with distinct larval stages such as nauplius and zoea. Many exhibit separate sexes and some may reproduce through parthenogenesis.
Reproduction
Reproduction is primarily sexual, with most species having separate sexes. Some species can change sex and some include hermaphrodites.
Predators
Crustaceans are preyed upon by various marine animals including fish, birds, and other larger crustaceans.
Ecosystem Role
Crustaceans play vital roles in aquatic food webs, serving as both predators and prey, and some are important for nutrient cycling as scavengers.
Economic Impact
Crustaceans are significant economically, with millions of tons harvested annually for human consumption, primarily shrimp and prawns.
Cultural Significance
Many crustaceans hold cultural importance and are featured in various cuisines around the world.
Collecting Methods
- Netting
- Trapping
- Dredging
- Hook and line fishing
Preservation Methods
- Freezing
- Drying
- Pickling
- Canning
Evolution
Crustaceans are part of the clade Mandibulata, and the hexapods (insects and entognathans) are deeply nested within Crustacea, indicating a close evolutionary relationship.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Crustaceans are often mistakenly thought to be only marine, but many species have adapted to life on land.
Tags
- Crustacea
- Arthropoda
- Aquatic Life
- Economic Importance
- Biodiversity