Crustaceans are poisonous

British zoologists first discovered crustaceans with venom living in underwater caves.

Remipede crustaceans are shaped like centipedes discovered by scientists in underwater caves in the Caribbean, Canary Islands and western Australia. They are capable of liquefying prey, usually other crustaceans, with a liquid similar to rattlesnake venom.

Body toxins can help unidentified crustaceans find prey easily.(Photo: Natural History Museum)

Crustaceans are toxic compounds that contain enzymes and paralysis, which can disrupt the body's tissues and remipede will draw liquid from the outer skeleton of the prey as food. Scientists say the habit of eating prey and using crustaceans' venom is similar to a spider.

However, remipede's prey digestion is unique among crustaceans."Because there is no eye, remipede's venom helps them adapt to poor nutrient cave habitats , " said BBC researcher Ronald Jenner, of the London Museum of Natural History.

Crustaceans include shrimp, molluscs, lobsters and crabs, belonging to arthropods. The venom is particularly popular in three of the four groups of arthropods, such as insects. The newly discovered crustacean is an exception.