Crustaceans | Crustacea

Crustaceans are large group of anthropods that are typically free-living in freshwater or marine environments. However, there are some land-dwelling crustaceans, such as woodlice, and non-mobile creatures, such as barnacles. Crustaceans have a segmented body with three distinct parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen and symmetrical legs. They also usually have eyes on stalks, antennae, and an exoskeleton that they molt in order to grow. The fossil record of crustaceans dates back to 540 million years ago, during the Cambrian period, with some species of crustaceans appearing evolutionarily unchanged since the Jurassic period.

What do crustaceans eat?

The diet of a crustacean depends on its size as well as species. Small terrestrial species typically eat matter from decaying organic matter. Parasitic crustaceans eat blood and skin materials from their host animal. Small aquatic crustaceans eat microscopic organisms, algae, and plankton while larger crustaceans eat snails, plants, and eggs of other marine life.

How do crustaceans breath?

Crustaceans breath oxygen and use the same respiratory system as fish by breathing oxygen through their gills. Gills are very similar to lungs, but the difference is that gills pull the oxygen from water and not air as lungs do.

Where do most crustaceans live?

Some crustacean species live in freshwater, while most prefer salt water and live in the ocean. Most crustacean species tend to live close to the shore. Specifically, woodlice and crabs live on land while prawns and shrimp in open water.

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.2”-.28” | 5-7 mm
.2”-.28” | 5-7 mm
2”-2.4” | 5-6 cm
.03-.07 oz | 1-2 g
2-6 years
Antarctic Krill
0.700
0.700
6.000
0.002
6.00
6100
GUIDE
3D
Antarctic Krill
1.4”-3.9” | 3.5-10 cm
1.2”-3.1” | 3-8 cm
2”-6” | 5.1-15.2 cm (Overall)
.22-1 lb | .1-.45 kg
15-30 years
Caribbean Hermit Crab
10.000
8.000
15.200
0.450
30.00
1650
GUIDE
3D
Caribbean Hermit Crab
.24”-.28” | 6-7 mm
.2”-.28” | 5-7 mm
1.25”-1.5” | 3.2-3.8 cm
.1-.2 oz | 3-5 g
1-2 years
Cherry Shrimp
0.700
0.700
3.800
0.005
2.00
37700
GUIDE
3D
Cherry Shrimp
.6”-1.7” | 1.4-4.4 cm
1.2”-3.9” | 3-10 cm (Carapace)
1”-3” | 2.5-7.5 cm (Carapace)
1.6-5.6 oz | 45-160 g
2-5 years
Chinese Mitten Crab
4.400
10.000
7.500
0.160
5.00
6150
GUIDE
3D
Chinese Mitten Crab
2.4”-5.9” | 6-15 cm
3”-8” | 7.6-20.3 cm (Carapace)
5.9”-15.75” | 15-40 cm (Carapace)
8.8-11 lb | 4-5 kg
40-60 years
Coconut Crab
15.000
20.300
40.000
5.000
60.00
256900
GUIDE
3D
Coconut Crab
2.1”-3.5” | 5.4-8.9 cm
5.9”-9.8” | 15-25 cm (Carapace)
3.9”-6.5” | 10-16.5 cm (Carapace)
2-4.4 lb | .9-2 kg
8-13 years
Dungeness Crab
8.900
25.000
16.500
2.000
13.00
103060
GUIDE
3D
Dungeness Crab
1”-1.7” | 2.6-4.3 cm
2.5”-4” | 6.4-10.2 cm (Carapace)
2.1”-3.3” | 5.3-8.5 cm (Carapace)
2.6-3 oz | 75-85 g
3-5 years
European Green Crab
4.300
10.200
8.500
0.085
5.00
5500
GUIDE
3D
European Green Crab
2.6”-3” | 6.5-7.5 cm
5.1”-5.7” | 13-14.5 cm (Carapace)
3”-3.4” | 7.6-8.7 cm (Carapace)
3-6 oz | 85-170 g
6-8 years
Florida Stone Crab
7.500
14.500
8.700
0.170
8.00
2560
GUIDE
3D
Florida Stone Crab
4.1”-6.5” | 10.5-16.6 cm
7.9”-15” | 20-38 cm (Carapace)
9.25”-14” | 23.5-35.5 cm (Carapace)
28.7-44.1 lb | 13-20 kg
50-100 years
Japanese Spider Crab
16.600
38.000
35.500
20.000
100.00
85100
GUIDE
3D
Japanese Spider Crab
2”-3” | 5.1-7.7 cm
5.9”-8.7” | 15-22 cm (Carapace)
3.7”-5.6” | 9.5-14.3 cm (Carapace)
.75-1.2 lb | .34-.54 kg
1-5 years
Jonah Crab
7.700
22.000
14.300
0.540
5.00
7050
GUIDE
3D
Jonah Crab
1.6”-5.5” | 4-14 cm
2”-5.9” | 5-15 cm
7.9”-23.6” | 20-60 cm
9-44 lb | 4-20 kg
50-140 years
Maine Lobster | American Lobster
14.000
15.000
60.000
20.000
140.00
32400
GUIDE
3D
Maine Lobster | American Lobster
.3”-1” | .8-2.5 cm
.5”-2” | 1.3-5 cm
2”-7” | 5.1-17.8 cm
.4-3.2 oz | 12-90 g
4-6 years
Peacock Mantis Shrimp
2.500
5.000
17.800
0.090
6.00
24200
GUIDE
3D
Peacock Mantis Shrimp
3.9”-6.5” | 9.8-16.4 cm
5.9”-11” | 15-28 cm (Carapace)
5.1”-10” | 13-25.3 cm (Carapace)
24-28 lb | 10.9-12.7 kg
20-30 years
Red King Crab
16.400
28.000
25.300
12.700
30.00
11300
GUIDE
3D
Red King Crab
.8”-1.4” | 2-3.5 cm
2”-3.4” | 5-8.7 cm (Carapace)
1.8”-3.1” | 4.6-8 cm (Carapace)
.8-2 lb | .36-.91 kg
8-12 years
Red Rock Crab
3.500
8.700
8.000
0.910
12.00
3800
GUIDE
3D
Red Rock Crab
1.5”-2.5” | 3.7-6.4 cm
3.7”-6.5” | 9.4-16.5 cm (Carapace)
3.1”-5.4” | 8-13.6 cm (Carapace)
1.1-3 lb | .5-1.35 kg
12-20 years
Snow Crab
6.400
16.500
13.600
1.350
20.00
81350
GUIDE
3D
Snow Crab
.04”-.06” | .9-1.4 mm
.05”-.07” | 1.2-1.8 mm
.39”-.59” | 10-15 mm
1-2 weeks
Spiny Water Flea
0.140
0.180
1.500
0.04
1460
GUIDE
3D
Spiny Water Flea
3.7”-6.7” | 9.5-17 cm
11”-18.1” | 28-46 cm (Carapace)
8.4”-13.6” | 21.3-34.6 cm (Carapace)
20-39 lb | 9-17.7 kg
20-30 years
Tasmanian Giant Crab
17.000
46.000
34.600
17.700
30.00
5050
GUIDE
3D
Tasmanian Giant Crab
1”-1.4” | 2.5-3.5 cm
1.1”-1.5” | 2.7-3.7 cm
7”-9.1” | 17.8-23.1 cm
1-2.8 oz | 30-80 g
1-2 years
Whiteleg Shrimp
3.500
3.700
23.100
0.080
2.00
8100
GUIDE
3D
Whiteleg Shrimp
Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Set of size comparison illustrations of the size of a Whiteleg Shrimp to other crustaceans

Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) can be farmed or caught for food in the eastern Pacific Oceans. Also called King Prawn or Pacific White Shrimp, it is a member of the family Penaeidae exhibiting a faster maturity rate but a shorter lifespan. This decapod is the largest prawn species with an elongated body that is laterally compressed. Their abdomen too is well-developed for swimming. Juveniles prefer estuaries while adults love relatively deeper waters. The legs are white from where it gets the name Whiteleg and other body parts may have varying colors, though translucent-white is more common!

The Whiteleg Shrimp has an overall length between 7”-9.1” (17.8-23.1 cm), body width of 1.1”-1.5” (2.7-3.7 cm), body height of 1”-1.4” (2.5-3.5 cm), and weight between 1-2.8 oz (30-80 g). The typical lifespan of the Whiteleg Shrimp is between 1-2 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Whiteleg Shrimp in various poses
Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) can be farmed or caught for food in the eastern Pacific Oceans. Also called King Prawn or Pacific White Shrimp, it is a member of the family Penaeidae exhibiting a faster maturity rate but a shorter lifespan. This decapod is the largest prawn species.

The Whiteleg Shrimp has an overall length between 7”-9.1” (17.8-23.1 cm), body width of 1.1”-1.5” (2.7-3.7 cm), body height of 1”-1.4” (2.5-3.5 cm), and weight between 1-2.8 oz (30-80 g). The typical lifespan of the Whiteleg Shrimp is between 1-2 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Whiteleg Shrimp in various poses
Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Height:
1”-1.4” | 2.5-3.5 cm
Width:
1.1”-1.5” | 2.7-3.7 cm
Length:
7”-9.1” | 17.8-23.1 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1-2.8 oz | 30-80 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Litopenaeus vannamei
Lifespan
1-2 years

Drawings include:

Whiteleg Shrimp top view, side

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European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas)
Scale illustration of an average European Green Crab compared to other crustacean species

You may think its small nature is a hindrance, but the European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) is aggressive and an invasive species of the family Portunidae capable of changing the balance in a habitat. It has colonized several habitats though was native to the European coast and the Baltic sea. Also called Green Crab or Shoe crab, it loves estuaries and rocky intertidal areas. The European Green Crab is identified by a set of five triangular teeth, also called spines, and three rounded lobes found between the eyes. Juveniles that resemble the Dungeness are separated from the later by the number of spines behind their eyes.

The European Green Crab has a carapace length between 2.1”-3.3” (5.3-8.5 cm), carapace width of 2.5”-4” (6.4-10.2 cm), body height of 1”-1.7” (2.6-4.3 cm), and weight between 2.6-3 oz (75-85 g). The typical lifespan of the European Green Crab is between 3-5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the European Green Crab
You may think its small nature is a hindrance, but the European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) is aggressive and an invasive species of the family Portunidae capable of changing the balance in a habitat. It has colonized several habitats though was native to the European coast and the Baltic sea.

The European Green Crab has a carapace length between 2.1”-3.3” (5.3-8.5 cm), carapace width of 2.5”-4” (6.4-10.2 cm), body height of 1”-1.7” (2.6-4.3 cm), and weight between 2.6-3 oz (75-85 g). The typical lifespan of the European Green Crab is between 3-5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the European Green Crab
European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas)
Height:
1”-1.7” | 2.6-4.3 cm
Width:
2.5”-4” | 6.4-10.2 cm (Carapace)
Length:
2.1”-3.3” | 5.3-8.5 cm (Carapace)
Depth:
Weight:
2.6-3 oz | 75-85 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Carcinus maenas
Lifespan
3-5 years

Drawings include:

European Green Crab top view, side

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Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria)
Set of size comparison illustrations of the size of a Florida Stone Crab to other crustaceans

Crabs tend to have females being larger than males, except in unique circumstances like in the case of the Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria) where males have larger carapace and chelae than females. It is a delicacy caught in the western North Atlantic Ocean. The crab belongs to the family Menippidae revealing a pale brown belly but brownish-red dorsal with gray spots. It shelters near dock piling, rocky areas, oyster reefs, and jetties. The Florida Stone Crab is a nocturnal creature, capable of migrating seasonally, and using self-amputation to district predators or takes advantage of their massive chelipeds that can withstand significant pressure.

The Florida Stone Crab has a carapace length between 3”-3.4” (7.6-8.7 cm), carapace width of 5.1”-5.7” (13-14.5 cm), body height of 2.6”-3” (6.5-7.5 cm), and weight between 3-6 oz (85-170 g). The typical lifespan of the Florida Stone Crab is between 6-8 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Florida Stone Crab in various poses
Crabs tend to have females being larger than males, except in unique circumstances like in the case of the Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria) where males have larger carapace and chelae than females. It is a delicacy caught in the western North Atlantic Ocean.

The Florida Stone Crab has a carapace length between 3”-3.4” (7.6-8.7 cm), carapace width of 5.1”-5.7” (13-14.5 cm), body height of 2.6”-3” (6.5-7.5 cm), and weight between 3-6 oz (85-170 g). The typical lifespan of the Florida Stone Crab is between 6-8 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Florida Stone Crab in various poses
Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria)
Height:
2.6”-3” | 6.5-7.5 cm
Width:
5.1”-5.7” | 13-14.5 cm (Carapace)
Length:
3”-3.4” | 7.6-8.7 cm (Carapace)
Depth:
Weight:
3-6 oz | 85-170 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Menippe mercenaria
Lifespan
6-8 years

Drawings include:

Florida Stone Crab top view, side

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Jonah Crab (Cancer borealis)
Scale illustration of an average Jonah Crab compared to other crustacean species

The Jonah crab (Cancer borealis) is a medium-sized crab possessing a flat but otherwise broad carapace. Look for it in the rocky substrate in deep waters of the western North Atlantic Ocean and not tidal zones preferred by other crabs of similar size. As a member of the family Cancridae, the Jonah Crab is identified by rounded and rough-edged carapace showing tiny white spots. Its robust claws are dark-brown at the tips and show an abdomen that is small and folded below the thorax and pincers. This crab is edible with a sweet taste, though has less meat when compared to the Dungeness crab.

The Jonah Crab has a carapace length between 3.7”-5.6” (9.5-14.3 cm), carapace width of 5.9”-8.7” (15-22 cm), body height of 2”-3” (5.1-7.7 cm), and weight between .75-1.2 lb (.34-.54 kg). The typical lifespan of the Jonah Crab is between 1-5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Jonah Crab
The Jonah crab (Cancer borealis) is a medium-sized crab possessing a flat but otherwise broad carapace. Look for it in the rocky substrate in deep waters of the western North Atlantic Ocean and not tidal zones preferred by other crabs of similar size. As a member of the family Cancridae.

The Jonah Crab has a carapace length between 3.7”-5.6” (9.5-14.3 cm), carapace width of 5.9”-8.7” (15-22 cm), body height of 2”-3” (5.1-7.7 cm), and weight between .75-1.2 lb (.34-.54 kg). The typical lifespan of the Jonah Crab is between 1-5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Jonah Crab
Jonah Crab (Cancer borealis)
Height:
2”-3” | 5.1-7.7 cm
Width:
5.9”-8.7” | 15-22 cm (Carapace)
Length:
3.7”-5.6” | 9.5-14.3 cm (Carapace)
Depth:
Weight:
.75-1.2 lb | .34-.54 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Cancer borealis
Lifespan
1-5 years

Drawings include:

Jonah Crab top view, side

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Red King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus)
Set of size comparison illustrations of the size of a Red King Crab to other crustaceans

There are crabs that maintain their color when cooked and then there is the Red King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) of the family Lithodidae that turns red when cooked, hence the name Red King Crab. Also called Alaskan King Crab or Kamchatka Crab, this Decapoda can be caught in the soft bottoms of the Northern Pacific Oceans. Its large size and good taste make it a valuable delicacy in various diner tables. It possesses a fan-shaped abdomen tucked under the rear of their shell. Males show a narrow abdominal flap while females a wider abdominal flap. This crab is the largest among the King Crab species, though males are often larger than females.

The Red King Crab has a carapace length between 5.1”-10” (13-25.3 cm), carapace width of 5.9”-11” (15-28 cm), body height of 3.9”-6.5” (9.8-16.4 cm), and weight between 24-28 lb (10.9-12.7 kg). The typical lifespan of the Red King Crab is between 20-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Red King Crab in various poses
There are crabs that maintain their color when cooked and then there is the Red King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) of the family Lithodidae that turns red when cooked, hence the name Red King Crab. It is also called the Alaskan King Crab or Kamchatka Crab.

The Red King Crab has a carapace length between 5.1”-10” (13-25.3 cm), carapace width of 5.9”-11” (15-28 cm), body height of 3.9”-6.5” (9.8-16.4 cm), and weight between 24-28 lb (10.9-12.7 kg). The typical lifespan of the Red King Crab is between 20-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Red King Crab in various poses
Red King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus)
Height:
3.9”-6.5” | 9.8-16.4 cm
Width:
5.9”-11” | 15-28 cm (Carapace)
Length:
5.1”-10” | 13-25.3 cm (Carapace)
Depth:
Weight:
24-28 lb | 10.9-12.7 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Paralithodes camtschaticus
Lifespan
20-30 years

Drawings include:

Red King Crab top view, side

Details & Downloads

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