Brown shrimp ©Alex Mustard/2020VISION
Brown shrimp ©Paul Naylor www.marinephoto.co.uk
Brown shrimp
Scientific name
Crangon crangonThe brown shrimp blends perfectly with its seabed home and is found all around the coasts of the UK.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Length: Up to 8cmConservation status
Common
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
The brown shrimp, also known as the common shrimp, lives in shallow, sheltered waters of muddy and sandy shores. It is especially common in estuaries, such as The Wash. It is mottled brown in colour, blending perfectly with their home on the seabed. They will bury themselves in the sand to escape predators such as birds and fish.How to identify
There are several, very similar species of shrimp around our coasts. This is the most common, found in large numbers in estuaries. It is practically translucent with brown mottling and antennae almost as long as its body.Distribution
Found in on sandy or muddy seabeds all round our coasts, particularly common in estuaries.Habitats
Did you know?
Brown shrimps can change colour to better match their surroundings using special cells called chromatophores.
Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
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