The crab

The crab (Pleocyemata) is an animal belonging to the order of decapod crustaceans. It has a body divided into cephalothorax and abdomen, with a greenish-black shell. The first pair of limbs has strong claws. The abdomen consists of seven rings and is used for swimming. It lives in Europe, in rivers and ponds and is edible.

Body composition

The body is covered with a crust of limestone and chitin. The crab has an external skeleton underneath which the muscles are located.

Cephalothorax

• two pairs of antennae with which it feels and smells
• gill with strong jaws
• 5 pairs of jointed legs

Abdomen

• consisting of 7 segments
• first ones each have a pair of legs
• the last two form the tail fin