| Dendrobranchiata (Suborder) |
Prawns are fascinating creatures from the phylum Arthropoda and class Malacostraca . Their evolution dates back to the Devonian period, making them some of the oldest living creatures, with evidence from fossils that are nearly 400 million years old.
The average length of a prawn is about 12 to 13 inches, with a typical weight of 0.3 to 0.4 kilograms. Their bodies are divided into two main sections – the cephalothorax and the abdomen. The cephalothorax is made up of the head and thorax while the abdomen, also known as the pleon, consists of up to 6 segments, with the final segment forming the tail, or uropod.
Discover more about prawns and other intriguing species by exploring our biology resources.
Further Reading:
- Scientific Names of Common Animals and Plants
- Phylum Arthropoda: Characteristics & Classification
- Introduction to Insect Life Cycle
- Understanding the Differences Between Oceans, Rivers and Lakes