Caprellinoides sp.

Systematics: Amphipoda Family Caprellidae

Distinguishing Characters:
All caprellids are long and thin with a pair of larger claw-like walking legs near the head. This undescribed species differs from others in the region in having gills only on two of the body segments, very short fifth legs and longer sixth and seventh legs. It is about 10 mm long.

General Biology:
Most caprellids, sometimes called “skeleton shrimps” live attached by the hind two pairs of legs to seaweeds or branching colonial animals on rocky habitats. They may be predators on microcrustaceans and move like a looper caterpillar, step by step.

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.