What is a crustacean?

• Science
• 5th,6th Grade

What is a crustacean?

Let's start by looking at its classification.

First, its an animal.

Under animal, its an arthropod. Like a spider!

Crustaceans are a special type arthropod, called a subphylum of the arthropod phylum. 

How can you tell that it's a crustacean?

- it will have an exoskeleton

Looking at crustacean what do you expect to find?

1. many bones
2. an exoskeleton and bones
3. an exoskeleton and segments
4. many bones and segments

- it's body will have segments

- it will have 2 eyes

- 3 mouthparts

- 2 pairs of antennae

- it will have swimmerets

(note: it beats the swimmerets to aid in swimming)

Explain how a crustacean uses its swimmerets.

Crabs

What are some examples of Crustaceans?

Barnacles

Crayfish

There are even some that don't live in water like these woodlice.

Which of these are crustaceans?

Lobster

Clownfish

Woodlice