Shellfish

Definition

Shellfish is a broad term used to describe aquatic animals with shells such as clams, mussels, oysters, shrimp, lobsters, and crabs. They play important ecological roles while also being a popular food source for humans.

Related terms

Mollusks: Shellfish are part of the larger group of mollusks, which also includes snails and squids.

Crustaceans: Crustaceans are a subcategory of shellfish that have jointed appendages, exoskeletons, and two pairs of antennae. Examples include crabs and lobsters.

Filter Feeders: Many shellfish species are filter feeders, meaning they extract nutrients by filtering water through specialized structures like gills or siphons.