Parts of a Crab | Crab Body Parts Vocabulary in English For Kids
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In this lesson, you’ll explore the body parts of a crab in English. Crabs are unique ocean animals with hard shells, sideways walking, and powerful claws. The main body parts of a crab include the claws (chelae), eyes, antennae, mouthparts, walking legs, shell (carapace), and tail flap. Each part plays a special role in the crab’s life.
Learning the body parts of a crab is great for kids, students, and nature lovers who want to expand their English vocabulary and discover how wonderfully designed ocean creatures can be.
List of Body Parts of a Crab in English with Pictures

| Claw | Antennule | Chela |
|---|---|---|
| Antenna | Antennule | Eyes |
| Carapace | Cephalothorax | Abdomen |
| Walking Legs | Swimming Legs | Dactyl |
| Propodus | Carpus | Merus |
| Ischium | Cheliped | Maxilliped |
| Rostrum | Eyestalk | Telson |
| Uropod | Mandible | Gonopore |
| Branchial Chamber | Gastric Mill | Hepatopancreas |
Crab Body Parts Name with Examples
Claw or Chela
The large pincer at the end of the front legs. It is used for catching food, defense, and communication.
Antenna
Long and thin sensory organs near the eyes. They help the crab smell, touch, and sense its surroundings.
Eyes
Eyes provide a wide field of vision to detect predators and food.
Dactyl
The movable outer part of the crab’s claw or leg. It helps in gripping and holding objects firmly.
Carpus
The middle segment of the crab’s leg. It connects the upper and lower parts, allowing bending and flexibility.
Cephalothorax
The main body section is formed by the head and thorax joined together. It protects vital organs under a hard shell.
Abdomen
The smaller and folded part is under the body. It holds reproductive organs and helps in movement or swimming.
Swimming Legs
The flattened rear legs are used for swimming. They help the crab move easily through water.
Walking Legs
The strong side legs are used for walking on sand or rocks. Most crabs have four pairs for balance and stability.
Merus
The thick upper part of the crab’s leg. It connects the leg to the body and provides strength for movement.
Propodus
The segment just before the dactyl in each leg. It supports motion and connects to the claw tip.
Carapace
The hard outer shell that covers the cephalothorax. It protects against predators and injury.
Mouthparts
Small appendages around the mouth. They help the crab tear and eat food.
Gills
Located under the shell inside the body cavity. They allow the crab to breathe underwater by absorbing oxygen.
Joint
The bendable connection between leg segments. It gives flexibility and helps in walking and climbing.
Telson
The last segment is at the tip of the abdomen. It helps cover and protect the reproductive opening.
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