A specialized carbohydrate that is used for structure in shrimp is called chitin. Not only it is found in the shrimp cells, but also on other crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters. Chitin is a derivative of glucose and a characteristic element in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, cell walls of fungi, internal shells of squids and octopuses, and scales of fish. The word "chitin" comes from the French word "chitine" which means covering.
