Malacostraca
Latreille 1802
Taxonomy
Phylum | Arthropoda |
Subphylum | Crustacea |
Class | Malacostraca |
Size
- Variable
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
- Worldwide