What is a crustacean?

            Crustaceans are aquatic arthropods such as crabs, lobsters and shrimps. They have a very tough, jointed external skeleton and jointed walking legs. Their body is divided into a region that contains most of the internal organs, covered by a shell called the carapace, and a muscular tail section that is usually folded under the body. Many crustaceans have powerful pincers that they use to capture and break up their prey, and to signal to others of their species. Crustaceans live in the sea and in freshwater habitats.

Picture credit: google