Palaemon adspersus

Palaemon adspersus

Palaemon adspersus, commonly known as the Baltic prawn, is a species of shrimp found in the North Atlantic, the North Sea, and the Baltic Sea. It is a member of the Palaemonidae family, which includes over 950 species of shrimp.

Description

The Baltic prawn can reach a length of up to 65 millimeters. It has a transparent body with a greenish or brownish tint. The rostrum is long and curved upwards, with 7-9 teeth on the upper edge and 2-3 on the lower edge. The first pair of pereiopods (walking legs) are larger and thicker than the others, and are used for catching prey.

Habitat and Distribution

Palaemon adspersus is found in the North Atlantic, the North Sea, and the Baltic Sea. It prefers brackish waters and is often found in estuaries and lagoons. It can also be found in freshwater, but it is less common in these environments.

Diet

The diet of Palaemon adspersus consists mainly of small invertebrates, including other crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. It is also known to eat algae and detritus.

Reproduction

The breeding season of Palaemon adspersus is from April to September. Females carry the eggs under their abdomen until they hatch. The larvae are planktonic and go through several stages of development before they become adults.

Human Interaction

Palaemon adspersus is not commercially important, but it is often used in scientific research due to its wide distribution and adaptability to different environments.

See Also

• Palaemonidae
• Pereiopods
• North Atlantic
• North Sea
• Baltic Sea

References

• Marine Species Identification Portal: Palaemon adspersus
• SeaLifeBase: Palaemon adspersus
• IUCN Red List: Palaemon adspersus