Crustaceans

Decapoda

Crabs

The Decapoda are a large and diverse group that includes the crabs, crayfish, lobsters, prawns and shrimps. They all have 10 legs which are formed from the rear five pairs of thoracic appendages. The front pair are usually modified into pincers that are used for feeding and/or defence.

Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) - Catalonia, Spain - May 2016

Red Swamp Crayfish is an invasive species in Spain and originates from southwestern USA. On chilly mornings they rise to the surface to warm themselves in the early morning sun.

Green Shore Crab (Carcinus maenas) - West Glamorgan, Wales - June 2009

The Green Shore Crab is northern Europe's most familiar shoreline crab, and can tolerate quite low levels of salinity.

Atlantic Ghost Crab (Ocypode quadrata) - Delaware, USA - May 2000

Crabs feed by using their pincers to pass food to their mouths...

Atlantic Ghost Crab (Ocypode quadrata) feeding on the carcase of an Atlantic Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus)
Delaware, USA - May 2000

Atlantic Ghost Crab (Ocypode quadrata) feeding on the carcase of an Atlantic Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus)
Delaware, USA - May 2000

Atlantic Ghost Crab (Ocypode quadrata) - Bahama Islands - January 2014

Atlantic Ghost Crab (Ocypode quadrata) - Bahama Islands - January 2014

Goa, India - December 2004