The decapod with three pairs of claws is known as a "prawn".

Biological Details

Prawns are a type of decapod crustacean characterized by having three pairs of chelate (claw-bearing) legs, which is a distinguishing feature within the broader decapod group. Decapods, in general, possess ten legs (pereiopods), but the number of clawed legs can vary between species, with prawns specifically known for having three pairs.

Crossword Context

This answer notably appears in modern crossword puzzles, such as the New York Times Crossword on November 22, 2025, where "prawn" is the accepted 5-letter solution for this clue.

Summary Table

Clue| Answer| Source
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Decapod with three pairs of claws| PRAWN| NYT Crossword2345

This answer is both biologically accurate and crossword-approved, making "prawn" the clear response for queries about decapods with three pairs of claws.