Decapod crustaceans, shrimps, crabs, prawns and their allies are highly visible and important members of marine environments. They are among the most charismatic of marine animals, inhabiting beaches, rocky shores and into the deep sea, hiding under stones, burrowing in the sediment and nestling in among algae and many other microhabitats. However, most are difficult to identify by the specialist and amateur naturalist alike.

Marine Decapod Crustacea explains the anatomical features necessary for differentiating taxa and includes diagnoses and identification keys to all 189 families and 2121 genera of marine Decapoda. Many decapods have vivid colours, which are showcased in a selection of spectacular photographs of many representative species.

This volume provides an entry to the literature for taxonomists, naturalists, consultants, ecologists, teachers and students wanting to identify local faunas and understand this diverse group.

"Rarely has a work of this type garnered as much expectation as Poore and Ahyong’s book has. This is the volume that many of us have been awaiting for a long time. I am happy to say then that the book exceeds all expectations. In retrospect, it really could not have been otherwise, given how scientifically meticulous, enthusiastic and endlessly dedicated both Poore and Ahyong are. Their energy and attention to detail is evident in every page of the book, and it is clearly a labour of love. The scientific value of the book is unquestionable. It will serve not only as a useful tool for current and future carcinologists, but also as a long-lasting compendium of taxonomy in general and decapod crustaceans in particular."

Enrique Macpherson, Center for Advances Studies of Blanes. Spanish Research Council (CEAB-CSIC)

Gary C. B. Poore, PhD, is Principal Curator Emeritus at Museums Victoria, Melbourne, Australia. His research interests, spanning 50 years, include the taxonomy and phylogeny of marine Crustacea, and the biodiversity and biogeography of marine communities. He has published over 225 papers and book chapters, including revisions of several major taxa.

Shane T. Ahyong, PhD, is Principal Research Scientist and Head of Marine Invertebrates at the Australian Museum, Sydney, Australia, and Adjunct Professor, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. His research interests, spanning more than 25 years, include the phylogeny and systematics of marine and freshwater Crustacea, marine invasive species, biogeography and phylogenetic methods, published in over 300 papers and book chapters.