Crayfishes, Lobsters and Crabs of Europe, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1997 An Illustrated Guide to common and traded species

Fishermen, marine aquarists, biologists studying seashore and coastal waters, and those involved in trading shellfish and even restaurateurs are aware of the great diversity of crustaceans inhabiting the seas around the British Isles, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Crayfishes, Lobsters and Crabs of Europe will enable the reader to identify 42 crustacean species of commercial importance found in these regions during coastal explorations, fishing trips, displayed in public aquaria or available in restaurants, including selected freshwater crayfishes, deep-sea species and some imported species.
The book also includes sections on the gross internal and external structure of these Crustacea, their life histories, classification and nomenclature. The book is of interest to students of marine biology and researchers in fisheries science.

Preface. 1. Structure and Function. 2. Classification. 4. Marine Clawed Lobsters (Nephropoidea). 5. Freshwater Crayfishes (Astacoidea). 6. Marine Spiny and Locust Lobsters (Palinuroidea). 7. Mud Lobsters (Thalassinoidea). 8. Hermit and Stone Crabs (Paguroidae). 9. Squat Lobsters and Porcelain Crabs (Galatheoidea). 10. True Crabs (Brachyura). Appendix A: Identification Features of Lobsters and Crabs Commercially Imported into EU Markets. Appendix B: List of World-Wide Commercially Fished Lobsters and Crabs. Index. Plates.

This present book provides a means to identify and learn something of the life-styles of lobsters and crabs that are frequently seen in United Kingdom and European inshore waters, landed by fishing boats, displayed in public aquaria, in fish markets or on restaurant menus. It is an easy-to-use identification guide to the commercial crustacea available around the shores of Europe and the major species imported into Europe.