Crabs (Brachyura) are a group of crustaceans belonging to the order decapods (Decapoda). The scientific name Brachyura literally means short tail and refers to the abdomen folded under the abdominal shield, which is why crabs, unlike other crustaceans, have no visible tail[a].
Crabs are further characterised by a flattened body that is wider than long and surrounded by a dorsal armour (carapace), the eyes that are clearly on stalks and the anterior pair of legs converted into grasping claws. Other notable features include its lateral mode of locomotion and ability to burrow quickly.
Most crabs live in the sea and can be found from the deep sea to the tidal zone. A few species have left the sea and adapted to life in freshwater. Some species are found on land, mostly in moist forests. However, all crabs depend on surface water for reproduction. Many species that do not live in the sea have to migrate to the sea every year to deposit eggs. The larvae of crabs are microscopic and live as plankton in the open sea.
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