How to Identify Crustaceans
Lobsters, crayfish, crabs, prawns, shrimp and barnacles are a few animals that can be described as crustacean. There are over 42,000 varieties and most are marine dwelling. Crustaceans belong to the arthropod group, which includes insects, spiders, centipedes, shrimp and crayfish. Arthropods all have bilateral symmetry, a segmented body, an exoskeleton, many limbs and jointed legs.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tongs
- Small aquarium or tank
- Observation tools (reading glasses, magnifying glass)
Instructions
-
Identification
-
1
Using tongs or a similar apparatus, put the identifying species in a confined aquarium or tank for easy observation. Put on any necessary observation tools like reading glasses or use a magnifying glass to help observe the animal.
-
2
Examine the outside of the animal's body. If it is a crustacean, it will have a segmented body with an exoskeleton. An exoskeleton is a hard outside shell that encases the insides. Segments are separated compartments of the body such as an abodomen, head or posterior.
-
-
3
Examine the limbs of the animal. They should be branched, meaning that they will have several sections. Look for these branches on the legs.
-
4
Look at the top of the animal's head and see if there are any antennae. Crustaceans typically have two pairs of antennae.
-
5
Count the legs on the animal to see if it has multiple pairs of legs. Crustaceans have multiple pairs of appendages on their body for easy movement, feeding and sexual reproduction.
-
6
Fill the tank with enough water so that the animal is submerged. Crustaceans have gills for respiration and should be able to survive and swim in an aqueous environment.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Put the tank or aquarium on a level surface so that it does not spill or tip over and shatter or break.
Use prongs to handle animals. Do not touch a crustacean with bare hands as they might have sharp appendages or pinchers that will harm you.
References
- Photo Credit lobster image by pcphotos from Fotolia.com
