Other Names

• Sand-borer
• Sponge Shrimp

General Description

Rostrum trilobed, medial lobe with up to 10 tubercles each side; lateral lobes half as long as medial lobe, separated by broad U. Fourth segment (merus) of first leg (pereopod 1) spinose on lower edge; distal margin of fifth segment (carpus) with strong lower spine, shorter upper spines; sixth segment (propodus) with denticles on lower margin and small upper spine distally; fixed finger one-fifth length of last segment (dactylus). Tail fan (telson) wider than long, smooth, margin concave. Carapace up to 4 cm long.

Biology

Very little is known of the biology of this family of animals but they are thought to be sediment feeders. They can only be found by destroying their habitats so are rarely seen.

Habitat

Intertidal to high subtidal, to depth of 9 m.

Soft substrates

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Southern temperate oceans, including eastern Australia.

Species Group

Prawns, shrimps, lobsters › Ghost and mud shrimps

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

4 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Harmful

Small claws but unlikely to nip.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 1757

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed