Crabs, Crayfishes, Lobsters, Prawns, and Shrimp

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Decapoda: /dɛˈkæpədə/

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Images

Summary

The Decapoda order encompasses a diverse group of crustaceans that are characterized by having ten legs. They play vital ecological roles, exhibit significant diversity, and are economically important in various industries.

Physical Characteristics

Decapods possess a hard exoskeleton and can have as many as 38 appendages, including ten legs known as pereiopods, which are often adapted for walking or swimming. Some species also have enlarged pincers called chelae.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic body structure with ten walking legs (pereiopods). Many decapods will exhibit pincers and have a distinct carapace covering their body.

Habitat

Decapods inhabit a wide range of environments, including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. They are commonly found in coral reefs, shallow coastal areas, and rivers.

Distribution

Decapods are distributed globally, with a significant diversity in tropical and temperate regions. They inhabit both coastal and inland waters.

Diet

Most decapods are scavengers, feeding on organic matter, detritus, and small prey. Some species can be predators, while others may graze on algae or other plant materials.

Life Cycle

Decapods typically have complex life cycles that include multiple larval stages. The development often begins with a free-swimming larval stage known as a nauplius.

Reproduction

Reproduction in decapods is generally sexual with distinct male and female individuals. Many species exhibit internal fertilization, and females often carry fertilized eggs under their tails until they hatch.

Predators

Decapods are preyed upon by various fish species, marine mammals, and birds. They also face predation from other crabs and larger invertebrates.

Ecosystem Role

Decapods play crucial roles in aquatic ecosystems as scavengers and prey for larger predators. They help in nutrient cycling and maintaining the structure of the benthic community.

Economic Impact

Decapods, particularly crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, are of significant economic importance in fisheries and aquaculture.

Cultural Significance

Many decapod species are culturally significant as food sources and are featured in various cuisines worldwide. They also hold importance in traditional fishing practices.

Collecting Methods

• Traps
• Nets
• Diving

Preservation Methods

• Freezing
• Canning
• Drying

Evolution

Decapods are believed to have originated in the Late Ordovician period around 455 million years ago, with their diversification primarily occurring during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods influenced by the proliferation of coral reefs.

Similar Taxa

• Other orders of Crustacea
• Arachnids (e.g., horseshoe crabs)

Misconceptions

One common misconception is that all decapods are shrimp; in fact, this order includes many diverse forms such as crabs and lobsters.

Tags

• Crustacea
• Malacostraca
• Lobsters
• Crabs
• Shrimp