Crustaceans from the order of Decapoda, having 5 pairs of legs with the first usually modified as pincers.
Crustaceans are including crabs, shrimps, prawns, lobsters, barnacles and woodlice.
The crustaceans are divided into various sub-classes and more than a score of orders. The chief order, the Decapoda, contains three sub-order, viz. the Brachyura (true crabs); the Anomura (Hermit crab); and Macrura, (lobsters, prawns, shrimps etc).
Approximately 4500 crab species occur worldwide, most inhabiting marine or estuarine waters.
Bodies of crabs are considerably flattened. The vast majorities of crabs live on the sea floor, and most are rather poor swimmers.
Crabs can be colorful. Sally Lightfoot crabs come in many colors from spotted brown to bright red, yellow and blue. Many crab species are commercially valuable seafood.
Crab meat is edible flesh from the body and legs of crabs. The most important crab species for meat production are Cancer pagurus, Cancer magister, Callinectes sapidus and king crab species.
Crab species
