CRUSTACEA 217 



in color, and from 8 to 10 inches in length. Known 

 from Cape Cod to Florida, especially in muddy 

 association. 



DECAPODS 



(Crabs, Shrimp, Lobsters, etc.) 



The decapods are the most conspicuous group 

 of Crustacea. To this group belong the crabs, lob- 

 sters, shrimp and other related forms. When adult 

 there are five pairs of legs of which the first pair, 

 in crabs at least, forms conspicuous claws or chelae. 

 (The name decapoda means ten legs.) The head 

 and thorax (neck region) are united into a cephalo- 

 thorax which is covered by a chitinous or calcareous 

 shell or carapace. The eyes are on stalks. 



Many decapods are of economic importance 

 because of their food value. Shrimp, lobsters and 

 crabs are gathered for the market along the Eastern 

 seaboard. The Spiny Lobster (Palinuriis argus) is 

 found along the Florida coast and is equally deli- 

 cious as the nothern lobster (Homarus americanus). 

 Crawfish, inhabitants of fresh and brackish water 

 are also frequently eaten, especially in the South. 

 In Cuba they are known as "langustina" and are 

 considered a delicacy. 



The following is the current classification of 

 the Decapoda: 



Natantia 



Usually with well developed abdomen and com- 

 pressed cephalothorax. Shrimp. 



