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This varied group of invertebrates includes around 67,000 known

species. Crustaceans take their name from the hard, jointed shells,

or exoskeletons, that support and protect their bodies. Most

crustaceans live in the sea, or in freshwater lakes and rivers,

but woodlice and some species of crab live permanently on

land. Crustaceans have at least four pairs of jointed legs, gills

for breathing underwater, and sensory antennae that they

use to feel and smell the things around them.

Crustaceans

2

3

1

Barnacle cements

itself head first to

a hard surface

Hard, armour

plates protect

barnacle’s body

Jointed

back legs

are used for

walking

Abdomen is tucked

away beneath the

crab’s body

Langoustine

can grow up to

15 cm (6 in)

in length

(^2) BARNACLE
Young barnacles drift in the water like
shrimps, but when they become adults
they cement themselves to rocks, piers,
and even other crustaceans. They feed
by extending feathery legs from their
shells to catch tiny floating creatures.
(^3) LANGOUSTINE
Found in the Atlantic Ocean and North
Sea, langoustines are also known as
Norway lobsters. They come out at night
from their sea-floor burrows to feed on
worms and smaller crustaceans. Their
muscular tails are eaten as “scampi”.
(^1) CRAB
Armed with a pair of powerful claws,
and protected by a thick shell, a crab is
built for both attack and defence. Crabs
can creep forwards very slowly, but
they prefer to scuttle sideways because
they can move much quicker that way.
end of short stalksEyes are on the
Mouthparts
manipulate
and chew food
Strong tail
used for
swimming
Tough shield,
head and thoraxcovers crab’s or carapace,
Heavy pincers
can crack open
mollusc shells
032_033_Crustaceans.indd 32 03/01/19 12:09 PM