Decapod crustaceans, shrimps, crabs, prawns and their allies are highly visible and important members of marine environments. They are among the most charismatic of marine animals, inhabiting beaches, rocky shores and into the deep sea, hiding under stones, burrowing in the sediment and nestling in among algae and many other microhabitats. However, most are difficult to identify by the specialist and amateur naturalist alike.

Marine Decapod Crustacea explains the anatomical features necessary for differentiating taxa and includes diagnoses and identification keys to all 189 families and 2121 genera of marine Decapoda. Many decapods have vivid colours, which are showcased in a selection of spectacular photographs of many representative species.

This volume provides an entry to the literature for taxonomists, naturalists, consultants, ecologists, teachers and students wanting to identify local faunas and understand this diverse group.

1. Introduction
2. Systematics
3. Dendrobranchiata – prawns and shrimps
4. Stenopodidea – coral shrimps and Venus shrimps
5. Procarididea – shrimps
6. Caridea – shrimps
7. Astacidea – scampi and crayfish
8. Glypheidea – lobsters
9. Axiidea – sponge shrimps, ghost shrimps and mud lobsters
10. Gebiidea – mud lobsters and sponge shrimps
Upogebiidae
11. Achelata – spiny lobsters, slipper lobsters and bugs
12. Polychelida – deep-sea lobsters
13. Anomura – hermit crabs, porcelain crabs, king crabs, mole crabs, squat lobsters