Home - Species of the Month Archive - May 2009.
Species of the Month June 2009
Common name: Japanese skeleton shrimp
Scientific name: Caprella mutica
A type of crustacean
Key Features:
- Adults orange to red in colour
- Male up to 35 - 40 mm long, female 15 mm long
- First two body segments are elongated in the male and densely covered in fine hairs
- Second body segment largest of seven
- Females have a brood pouch covered with dark red spots
Where to look:
Found in association with Sargassum muticum and on artificial structures such as mooring lines and aquaculture cages especially in Scotland.
Origin:
North-east Asia. Possibly came to UK via shipping (hull fouling and ballast water) and/or aquaculture.
Effects:
Unknown
More information:
If you would like to know more about this species or would like to report a sighting please go to www.marlin.ac.uk/marine_aliens/species
