Brachyura is an infraorder of decapod crustaceans comprising the true crabs. They typically have a very short projecting tail-like abdomen, usually hidden entirely under the thorax. Their exoskeleton
Brachyura montage
Gecarcinus quadratus, a land crab from Central America
Crab (Pachygrapsus marmoratus) on Istrian coast, Adriatic Sea
Female crab Xantho poressa at spawning time in the Black Sea, carrying eggs under her abdomen
Crabs are decapod crustaceans, either the Brachyura or various groups within the closely related Anomura, characterised by having a heavily armoured shell, their tail segments concealed under the body
Brachyura
…ago, achieving great diversity by the Cretaceous period; around 7,000 extant species in 96 families are known. The true crabs are the largest of the crab decapod groups with carcinised body forms. Smaller groups include the porcelain crabs, king crabs, and hairy stone crabs which have independently evolved…
Cancer pagurus, the edible or brown crab (Brachyura)
Adult pea crab, one of the smallest species, a few millimetres across
Coconut crab, the largest terrestrial arthropod, weighing up to 4.1 kg (9 lb)
Japanese spider crab, with a leg span of as much as 4 m (13 ft)