Paracrangon echinata Dana 1852

How to Distinguish from Similar Species: This is the only crangonid with a long spiny rostrum and only 4 pairs of walking legs. In the same trawls that we catch this species in we also catch the Hippolytid shrimp Lebbeus groenlandicus, which is also reddish marked and spiny and looks superficially similar. However, L. groenlandicus' reddish markings are in distinct, uneven transverse bands on the abdomen, and it does not as readily assume the cataleptic posture seen in the photo above.

Lives among hydroids, bryozoans, and worm tubes on mixed composition bottoms.

Geographical Range: Port Etches, Alaska to La Jolla, CA

Depth Range: 7-201 m

Like all crangonids, pereopod 3 is subchelate. Unlike most crangonids, this species has only 4 pairs of legs and a long, toothed rostrum. Length to about 7 cm.

Biology/Natural History: Unlike most crangonids, this species does not bury in the sediment. Feeds on smaller crustaceans and worms that are ambushed and swallowed whole. The slender third pereopods are held just above the bottom and function as antennas to detect prey, which are seized and attacked with the subchelate first pereopods. Prey items include gammarid amphipods, shrimp, and polychaetes. Small prey are consumed whole. Large prey are first repeatedly speared with the sharp spine on the first pereiopod, then eaten headfirst. In development, Paracrangon has fewer zoeal stages than do many other decapods. Many members of family Crangonidae burrow into the sand but this species does not. All members of genus Paracrangon lack the second pereiopods. Since the second pereiopod is often used for grooming, it is not surprising to find parts of this species fouled with hydroids, diatoms, etc. This may help camouflage them.