Taxonomy of Shellfish

Unit 3 - General characters of Order Decapoda

3.1.1.Sub-order 1. Natantia

• Body laterally compressed; generally adapted for swimming (natant = swimming).
• The carapace has well developed rostrum.
• Antennules usually have a stylocerite.
• Second antenna has a large scale like exopodite.
• Abdomen well developed, with first segment not smaller than the posterior ones.
• Thoracic legs are slender, some of the anterior ones chelate.
• Pleopods well developed and modified for swimming (prawns and shrimps).

There are three sections in Natantia,

• Penaeidea,
• Caridea,
• Steriopodidea.