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Narrative
Shrimps (Decapoda\Natantia) are a group of the Shrimp and Crab Order (Order Decapoda). They may be divided into three main categories: Penaeidae, Stenopodidea, and Caridea. Here they are grouped into one mega order with the families in alphabetical sequence.
Shrimps and Crabs (Order Decapoda) contains most of the larger freshwater and marine species of crabs, crayfish, shrimp, and lobsters. They have a total of ten pairs of legs, four pairs of which are used for walking. Frequently the first pair of legs has been modified into pinchers used for eating and defense.
Here the Decapoda are divided into five different sub-orders which match the adult shapes of the various life forms. Also, the subdivision followed is close to the Borrandaile l907 system. The divisions are as follows:
Natantia - Shrimp-like
Brachyura - Crab-like
Anomura - Hermit Crabs and relatives
Astacidea - Crayfish and Lobster-like
Palinura - Spiny Lobsters and Spanish Lobster
The sub-classification of the Order Decapoda is in a state of change. For a short summary of this situation, please refer to pages two and three of Shrimps, Lobsters, and Crabs of the Atlantic Coast of the Eastern United States by Austin Williams published by the Smithsonian Press, Washington, D.C., in l984. If one uses adult shape as a method of classification, one gets one organization, and if one uses larvae shape as a method of classification, one gets a different organization.
Taxonomy
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Latin
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English
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Kingdom
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Animalia
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Animal
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Phylum
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Arthropoda
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Jointed Legged Animals
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Class
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Crustacea
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Crabs And Allies
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Order
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Decapoda-natantia
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Shrimps
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Family
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SubFamily
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References
| Title | Author | Comments |
| Atlantic Seashore | Gosner, Kenneth L. | This book covers the seaweeds and invertebrates of the Atlantic Coast from the Bay of Fundy south to Cape Hatteras. (This book does not cover Florida, Florida Keys, and Gulf of Mexico.) |
| Shrimps, Lobsters, and Crabs of the Atlantic Coast | Williams, Austrin B. | This book discusses in detail the various marine crustacea (Decapoda) that are found along the Atlantic Coast of North America from Maine to Florida. With numerous diagrams and detailed discussions, one should be able to identify any shrimp, crab, or lobster in the area. Much additional information is provided including discussions of range, habitat, and commercial value. |
| Field Guide to North American Seashore Creatures | Meinkoth, Norman A. | With color photographs and good text this work is useful for identification of animals such as sponges, corals, and crustacea. This book is only keyed under Crustacea. |
| Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders | Milne, Lorus and Margery | The 702 color illustrations of living specimens are excellent. Spiders, scorpions, and Insects are covered. With a good coverage of arthropods, this book should be in any library that is used for identification. The text also mentions related species. |
| Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida - Volume IV Invertebrates | Deyrup, Mark | This detailed work covers the mollusks and arthropods of Florida that are rare or endangered. Each species is described along with its range and habitat. Detailed disribution maps are also included. Almost 800 pages of detailed information make this a truly excellent work. |
| Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of Northeastern North America | Peckarsky, Barbara | This work serves as an excellent overview of the aquatic insects of north east North America. Also crustacea and Mollusks are included. They keys are useful for identification purposes. |
| Endangered Ones, The | Cox, James A. | A detailed analyses as of l975 of the various animals facing extinction. 220 pages of excellent information. |
| Larousse Encyclopedia of the Animal World | Various | This 640 page book covers the phyla in the animal kingdom, including a good survey of sponges, coelenterates, worms, misc. phyla, arthropods and chordates. With numerous pictures and diagrams, this work gives a good understanding of the taxonomy of the animal kingdom. The first half of the book covers the lower phyla, and the last half concentrates on the chordates. Numerous important species are described and pictured. |
| Fresh Water Invertebrates of the United States | Pennak, Robert W | This excellent reference covers numerous phylla from protozoa to mollusca found in fresh water in the United States. |
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