Maxillipeds are appendages modified to function as mouthparts. Particularly in the less advanced decapods, these can be very similar to the pereiopods. Pereiopods are primarily walking legs and are also used for gathering food.

What are the maxillipeds?

(Science: zoology) One of the mouth appendages of crustacea, situated next behind the maxillae. Crabs have three pairs, but many of the lower Crustacea have but one pair of them. Synonym: jawfoot, and foot jaw.

What is the main function of Swimmerets?

Tell the students that the swimmerets have three functions. They help the crayfish swim, they move water over the gills for respiration, and on the female they hold the larva.