Image Key > Malacostraca
Malacostraca Latreille 1802
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Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropoda |
| Subphylum |
Crustacea |
| Class |
Malacostraca |
Size
Description
- The largest class of crustaceans and includes the decapods (crabs, lobsters, shrimps), stomatopods (mantis shrimp), euphausiids (krill), amphipods and isopods.
Distinguishing characteristics
- The head has 6 segments.
- Possess antennules, antennae and mouth parts.
- Usually have 8 pairs of thoracic legs and 8 thoracic segments.
- Possess compound stalked or sessile eyes.
Distribution
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