Subphylum Crustacea
Crustaceans
Diverse group of marine arthropods including crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles, crustaceans are essential components of ocean food webs. These hard-shelled invertebrates inhabit every marine environment from tide pools to deep ocean trenches.
🧬 Scientific Profile
Discover the fascinating biology and behavior of crustaceans
Habitat & Range
Found in marine, freshwater, and some terrestrial environments worldwide. Marine crustaceans inhabit all ocean zones from intertidal areas to deep sea trenches.
Diet & Behavior
Crustaceans have diverse feeding strategies - some are filter feeders consuming plankton, others are scavengers, predators, or herbivores playing important ecosystem roles.
Amazing Facts
Crustaceans include crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles. They molt their exoskeletons as they grow. Some species can regenerate lost limbs.
🌱 Conservation & Protection
Learn how you can help protect crustaceans and support marine conservation efforts
How You Can Help
Choose sustainably harvested seafood. Support fishing regulations that protect breeding populations. Reduce carbon footprint to combat ocean acidification.
💡 Every action counts! Small changes in daily habits can make a big difference for marine conservation.
Conservation Organizations
🔗 Consider donating or volunteering with these organizations to directly support crustaceans conservation.
See Crustaceans in Person
Visit these aquariums to observe crustaceans and learn more about marine conservation
Support Conservation: Many of these aquariums participate in breeding programs, research, and education that help protect wild crustaceans populations.