Crustaceans have an external skeleton (exoskeleton) that is more or less rigid depending on the species. It is like a shell and protects their vital organs and soft parts. Their most edible area is usually located in the abdomen, also called pleon, and commonly likened to a tail. It contains a fine and firm flesh rich in proteins. The claws of certain crustaceans (crab, lobster, etc.) are also sought-after for their taste quality. Special tools such as crustacean scissors to open the shells or nutcrackers or small mallets to break the claws are useful to facilitate the shelling of crustaceans.