are a vast and diverse group of invertebrate animals

The most well-known crustaceans belong to the order , characterized by five pairs of legs:

Beyond their role as a luxury seafood resource, crustaceans are central to modern research. is the formal study of crustaceans , with major publications like the Journal of Crustacean Biology dedicated to their biology, genetics, and evolution. Recent legal and scientific discussions in regions like the UK have even explored crustacean sentience and animal welfare standards.

: They typically possess two pairs of antennae (antennules and antennae) and specialized mouthparts that function as jaws.

: Species like crayfish are common in rivers and lakes.

: Tiny but essential links in the marine food web, supporting massive animals like whales.