#caprellidae

Spooky, scary, caprellids

They do not have a spine

Gnathopods hold onto snacks

A pair of skeleton shrimp (Caprellidae sp.) fighting

Shrimp don't have skeletons, but don't tell that to the skeleton shrimp! The common name for this group of amphipods accurately describes the thin, delicate structure of their bodies, which helps them to effectively hide among seaweeds and corals. Due to their pale, ephemeral appearance, these shrimps are also sometimes known as ghost shrimp!

while at the seashore the other day I found this skeleton shrimp (Caprellidae) clinging to my net.

It’s an amphipod, related to the chunkier sandhoppers and scuds, but has a funky elongated body that allows it to cling to objects with its hindlegs while reaching out into the water to snatch smaller crustaceans with its claws like a tiny marine mantis.

In honour of shrimp week please witness this very cute skeleton shrimp