Decapods

Decapods are of the phylum Arthropoda. Decapod means “ten legs”, which is the defining characteristic of this subclass from the class of Crustacea.

As decapods are crustaceans, they have some defining characteristics. Crustaceans are the only arthropods with two antennae. They also have appendages on their abdomen and have the ability to regenerate. Probably the most defining characteristic of a crustacean is their cheliped (pincher).

There are two main types of decapods found in the Pacific Northwest: shrimps and crabs.

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This webpage is part of the UWT Marine Ecology 2007 Class Project