Slow Sponge Shrimp

Strahlaxius waroona

Systematics: Thalassinidea Family Strahlaxiidae

Distinguishing Characters:
The slow sponge shrimp is compact, the curved abdomen a little longer than the carapace. It has a flat rostrum bordered by blunt spines and covering the eyestalks. The chelipeds are similar to each other. The species grows to 30 mm long.

Habitat and Distribution:
The slow sponge shrimp is somewhat of a misnomer because the species is not always found in sponges, more often in the muddy spaces under intertidal rocks. The species lives along the eastern and southern coast of Australia.

General Biology:
Very little is known of the biology of this family of animals and they are thought to be sediment feeders. The species may be unusual in having the juveniles hatch directly from the eggs without planktonic larval stages.

Feedback and queries should be sent to the Discovery Centre at Museum Victoria.
Please note, the Discovery Centre can help you only with questions about crustaceans from southeastern Australia. It can not advise on the care of pet hermit crabs or on crustaceans from other regions.