crustacea

Crustaceans, familiar to the average person as shrimp, lobsters, crabs, krill, barnacles, and their many relatives, are easily one of the most important and diverse groups of marine life forms. Poorly understood, they are among the most numerous invertebrates on earth. Most crustaceans start life as eggs and move through a variety of morphological phases prior to maturity. In this book, more than 45 of the world’s leading crustacean researchers explain and illustrate the beauty and complexity of the many larval life stages. Revealing shapes that are reminiscent of aliens from other worlds, often with bizarre modifications for a planktonic life or for parasitization, including (in some cases) bulging eyes, enormous spines, and aids for flotation and swimming, the abundant illustrations and photographs show the detail of each morphological stage and allow for quick comparisons. The diversity is immediately apparent in the illustrations: spikes that deter predators occur on some larvae, while others bear unique specializations not seen elsewhere, and still others appear as miniature versions of the adults. Small differences in anatomy are shown to be suited to the behaviours and survival mechanisms of each species.

Euastacus crayfish, often referred to as ‘spiny crayfish’ for the impressive arrays of spines on their hard armoured shells, are the largest of the 10 genera of Australian freshwater crayfish. This book discusses all 50 species known in Australia, from the iconic Giant Murray lobster that is fished by recreational fishers, to the exceedingly rare Euastacus maidae. These uniquely Australian species range from Cooktown in far north Queensland to Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria. The book discusses basic crayfish anatomy, moulting and growth, morphology, breeding, threats and diseases. It includes colour photographs for each species, as well as a glossary and further reading list.

A comprehensive update of the classic volume Introduction to the freshwater Crustacea of New Zealand by Chapman and Lewis (1976). In the intervening 35 years there have been many advances in the systematics of crustaceans leading in many instances to the introduction of new names, and our knowledge of freshwater crustacean biology and ecology has increased substantially. The new book follows a similar format to its predecessor, uses some of the same text, and many of the original figures. However, most of the text and identification keys have been rewritten to accommodate advances in knowledge, and many new line drawings and colour images are included. Each chapter has its own set of references to help users access the relevant literature. Accounts of the Copepoda, Syncarida, and Amphipoda, in particular, contain much new material, and information on the remarkable subterranean and ‘terrestrial’ crustacean faunas is incorporated. The book is intended to be a source of information and a guide to the identification of our inland crustacean fauna that can be used by students, teachers, research workers, and other environmental scientists.

This guide covers barnacles of mainly south-eastern Australia and begins with information about their biology, habitats and diversity. A description of each animal is accompanied by a colour photograph. A key is also provided for easier identification of common barnacles, with some of the more rare and less visible animals related to barnacles. The end matter includes both a scientific and common name index, further references and a glossary.

A narrative written by a one-time Maine lobsterman relates how lobsters socialize, mate, fight for dominance, and navigate their way across the ocean floor.