Crustaceans
Crustaceans are aquatic arthropods characterized by their segmented bodies, hard exoskeletons, and multiple pairs of legs. They form a diverse group with over 50,000 known species, including lobsters, crabs, shrimps, crayfish, and barnacles. Crustaceans can be found in various marine and freshwater environments, where they play essential ecological roles as scavengers, predators, and prey. Many crustacean species have commercial value as a food source for humans and aquaculture industries. As filter feeders or detritivores, crustaceans also contribute to the maintenance of water quality by consuming organic matter and sediments. Despite their importance in marine ecosystems, some crustacean populations are threatened due to habitat destruction, pollution, overfishing, and climate change.