1. Subphylum Mandibulata
Order Decapoda
Order Decapoda

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Anomuran crabs
Order Decapoda

6. 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

7. Brachyuran Crabs
Order Decapoda

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

9. Blue Crab Life Cycle
Order Decapoda