In: Biology
What is the difference between a shrimp and crab zoea?
Crab Zoea – Zoea are free-swimming larva of crabs and other crustaceans with primitive legs and a spiny spherical carapace. They have a slim curved abdomen and the posterior most division of the body is forked. The carapace has long cephalic, dorsal and lateral spines which may be providing them a sense of direction. They swim using thoracic appendages. They have 2 large, stalked, compound eyes.
Shrimps – Shrimps on the other hand are adult crustaceans. Their body is divided into a cephalothorax and a long, slender, muscular abdomen. The muscular abdomen is divided into 6 segments. Each of the first 5 segments has a pair of thin appendages which are primarily used for perching. The 6th segment is forked and has 2 pair of appendages which function like rudders and also allow the shrimp to dart backwards. They also have 2 stalked, large, compound eyes. Two pair of whiskers arises from their head which help them can feel, smell, taste, etc.