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Crustaceans of Zihuatanejo

SUBPHYLUM CRUSTACEA

River Prawn

Macrobrachium

Species of the freshwater prawn genus Macrobrachium are distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical zones of the world. They are found in most inland freshwater areas including lakes, rivers, swamps, irrigation ditches, canals and ponds, as well as in estuarine areas. All freshwater prawns (like other crustaceans) have to regularly cast their ‘exoskeleton’ or shell in order to grow. This process is referred to as moulting and is accompanied by a sudden increase in size and weight.

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