Subphylum Mandibulata Order Decapoda Order Decapoda

Order Decapoda Large carapace that covers the thorax on the dorsal and sides Segmentation is only visible from the ventral surface Order Decapoda

Shrimps Active and efficient swimmers; pleopods are well-developed for swimming Uropods and telson can be used for swimming Pincers are on first three pairs of thoracic legs Commercially important shrimps belong to the families Penaeidae and Sicyoniidae Rock Shrimp Order Decapoda

Lobsters and Burrowing Shrimp Contains the American and spiny lobster which are not closely related Both are large and capable of reaching two feet in length Large abdomen (muscular) well-developed uropod American lobster has a smooth carapace Closely related to ghost and mud shrimps (crawfish) Order Decapoda

Anomuran crabs Order Decapoda

Brachyuran Crabs True crabs, greatly reduced abdomen which is flexed to lie in a groove beneath the thorax Cephalothorax is dorsoventrally flattened and antennae are short Have one pair of pincers Swimmers have thinner shells and paddled swimmerets Sponge and shellback crabs cover themselves with tunicates, sponges etc. Order Decapoda

Brachyuran Crabs Order Decapoda

Brachyuran Crabs Portunid crabs – the most common and best know Order Decapoda

Blue Crab Life Cycle Order Decapoda