This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the anatomy, physiology, and biology of shellfish, a diverse group of aquatic invertebrates including crustaceans (such as shrimp, crabs, and lobsters) and mollusks (such as bivalves, gastropods, and cephalopods). While the term "shellfish" is not taxonomically precise, the book adopts this functional classification to examine species commonly studied in aquaculture, fisheries, and marine biology. Detailed chapters cover external and internal anatomy, reproductive systems, developmental stages, feeding mechanisms, and ecological adaptations. Richly illustrated with anatomical diagrams and supported by recent scientific research, this book is an essential resource for students, researchers, and professionals in marine science, aquaculture, and seafood industries.
Dr. Nanjala Veerabhadra Rao is an Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Fisheries Resource Management, College of Fishery Science, Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University, Narasapuram. He is specialized in Fisheries Resource Management with focus on taxonomy, biodiversity, biology, and conservation of freshwater fisheries. He has published over 15 research papers, 35 popular articles, 5 book chapters in reputed national and international journals and rendered 11 number of TV programmes in different channels. Further, recipient of Meritorious Service Award by District Collector, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh.
Dr. T. Suguna is currently serving as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University, Vijayawada. She is specialized in Fisheries Resources Managemwent, with a focus on finfish breeding, biodiversity, biology and conservation. She has hands-on experience in field identification of fishes and has published several articles in peer-reviewed, Scopus-indexed national and international journals.
Dr. M. Kishore Kumar is currently serving as a Guest Faculty at the College of Fishery Science, Narasapuram, Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University, India. He is specialized in Fisheries Resource Management, with a focus on taxonomy, biodiversity, biology, conservation, and management of finfishes. He has practical experience in field identification of fishes and has published 10 research articles, 12 popular articles and 3 book chapters in peer-reviewed, Scopus-indexed national and international journals. Further, recipient of the prestigious Dr. V. Rajagopalan Gold Medal Award for the Best M.F.Sc. Student in Fisheries Resource Management, conferred by Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
Mr. K. Nikhil is currently serving as a Guest Faculty at the College of Fishery Science, Narasapuram, under Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University, India. He is specialized in Fisheries Resource Management, with a particular focus on the life cycle aspects of fisheries management. He has published five research articles, three review articles, six popular articles and three book chapters in various journals.
1 Shellfish Structure and Function: A Foundational Overview ..................1
2 Classification of Shellfish ......................................................................13
3 Evolution and Phylogeny of Shellfish ...................................................19
4 Locomotion and Musculoskeletal Systems of Shellfishes ....................23
5 Digestive System of Shellfish ...............................................................31
6 Circulatory System of Shellfish ............................................................43
7 Respiratory System of Shellfish ............................................................57
8 Excretory System of Shellfish ...............................................................63
9 Reproductive System of Shellfish .........................................................69
10 Nervous System of Shellfish .................................................................79
11 Sensory Organs of Shellfish ..................................................................87
12 Length – Weight Relationship in Crustaceans ......................................91
13 Moulting in Crustaceans .......................................................................93
14 Food and Feeding Habits of Shellfish ...................................................97
15 Shellfish in Ecosystems .......................................................................103
16 Life Cycle of Shellfish ........................................................................107
17 Conservation and Threats to Shellfish .................................................117
Appendices ..........................................................................................123
Bibliography ........................................................................................127
