Crabs, Lobsters & Shrimp

Description

Malacostraca is a huge group of crustaceans, so divers commonly encounter its members as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. You might see crabs tucked into crevices, lobsters patrolling ledges, or shrimp darting in and out of seagrass and reef structure—often with quick movements and strong defensive behaviors when approached.

Orders

Decapods

Decapoda

Mantis Shrimp

Stomatopoda

Taxonomy