Brown Shrimp

Overview

The Brown Shrimp (Crangon crangon) is a highly abundant and ecologically significant crustacean found throughout the northeastern Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Black Seas. This species is well-known for its ability to blend into its surroundings, making it a master of camouflage in shallow coastal environments.

Distribution & habitat

These shrimp inhabit sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, ranging from the intertidal zone down to depths of 150 meters. They are frequently found buried in the sediment with only their eyes and antennae exposed, a behavior that helps them avoid predators and ambush prey. During the winter months, adults typically migrate to deeper offshore waters to avoid low-salinity conditions.

Appearance

Brown Shrimp are characterized by a mottled brown coloration that allows them to match the sea bed using specialized pigment cells called chromatophores. They possess a long, slender body, a short blunt rostrum between their eyes, and a fanned tail. Their primary antennae are notably long, often reaching the length of their own body.

Biology & behavior

Primarily nocturnal, these shrimp are active foragers at night, with their activity levels often controlled by light. They are known to consume a wide variety of animal material, including polychaetes, molluscs, and small fish, as well as algae. To aid in digestion, they may ingest grains of sand, which help crush food within their stomachs.

Reproduction

Breeding typically occurs from January to June. Females carry their eggs on their abdominal appendages for several weeks, with the duration depending on water temperature. After hatching, juveniles often migrate to shallow inshore nursery areas to exploit seasonal plankton blooms.