Explore the Collection: Crustaceans
Familiar crustaceans include crabs, prawns, rock lobsters, the slaters seen in gardens and the barnacles found on rocks along the shore. Crustaceans belong to the phylum Arthropoda, a large group of animals that also includes the insects and the spiders. Members of this group all possess a segmented body and a hard outer covering, known as an exoskeleton. Crustaceans differ from other animals in this group as they possess two pairs of antennae.
The exoskeleton of a crustacean is not very flexible and, therefore, restricts the size of the animal. To continue growing crustaceans must moult their shell. During moulting the animal discards its old shell, allowing the animal to increase in size before the new shell hardens. This is a dangerous time for a crustacean as without its hard exterior it is vulnerable to predation.
Generally all crustaceans possess a head, abdomen and tail, but shape varies enormously within the group. In fact, crustaceans are unequalled by any other group of animals in their diversity of body shape.
Crustaceans may be carnivores, herbivores and scavengers. Most are mobile and either swim or walk but some, barnacles for example, are sessile and do not move once they have settled onto a surface.
Crustaceans provide a wide range of other marine organisms with a source of food, as well as being a popular food item among humans.
Did you know?
Crustaceans are able to repair or replace lost body parts such as legs or claws through successive moults.
This process is known as regeneration.
Crustacean Species:
Click on any of the Crustacean species below to read more.
Painted Rock Lobster (Panulirus versicolor)
The Painted Rock Lobster is easily recognisable from other lobster species by its distinctive colours. This species is generally green-blue with a very dark blue-black and white pattern on the carapace, while the abdomen and legs are banded by white stripes.
Read more about Painted Rock Lobster…
"Darwin Red Legs" Fiddler Crab (Uca flammula)
This particular species of fiddler crab, which possess a black carapace and bright orange-red claws, can grow to a width of 35 mm. The females possess two small claws, while in males one claw is enormously enlarged.
Read more about "Darwin Red Legs" Fiddler Crabs…
Notched Swimmer Crab (Thalamita crenata)
Thalamita crenata ranges in colour from blue, green and black, and may be mottled on the carapace. The carapace also has distinct notches along its edges. The crabs grow to a maximum size of ~100 mm in width.
Read more about Notched Swimmer Crabs…
Banded Cleaner Shrimp (Stenopus hispidis)
The Banded Cleaner Shrimp is recognised by the obvious red and white bands on its body and third pair of legs. These shrimp can grow to a length of 90 mm, with the females growing much larger than the males.
Read more about Banded Cleaner Shrimp…
Mangrove Lobster (Thalassina squamifera)
Thalassina squamifera inhabits the mud flats near or among mangroves. The lobsters are rarely seen as they are predominantly noctural. They live in a network of burrows that can extend to a depth of two metres.
Read more about Mangrove Lobsters…
Triangular Barnacle (Balanus trigonus)
This species of barnacle can be distinguished by its six deep pink plates with white ribs and the presence of a triangular opening. Balanus trigonus grows to a height of 15 mm and a diameter of 20 mm, which makes it relatively small compared to other barnacle species.
Read more about Triangular Barnacles…
