How big is the Rockpool prawn?

Rockpool prawn (Palaemon elegans) reaches 4–6 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Rockpool prawn?

Rockpool prawn is found between 0–5 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Rockpool prawn?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Rockpool prawn?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Rockpool prawn (Palaemon elegans)

Key facts

Scientific name: Palaemon elegans
Common name: Rockpool prawn
Category: Crustaceans
Family: Palaemonidae
Genus: Palaemon
Size: 4–6 cm
Depth: 0–5 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky, seagrass
Behaviours: schooling
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Palaemon elegans is a small shrimp of 4 to 6 cm with a transparent body marked by fine yellow and brown stripes. Lives in schools among Posidonia seagrass and in shallow rocky pools. Omnivore and detritivore. Often seen from the surface or while snorkeling, given its abundance along Mediterranean and northern European coasts.

Photo of Rockpool prawn

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Rockpool prawn?: Rockpool prawn (Palaemon elegans) reaches 4–6 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Rockpool prawn?: Rockpool prawn is found between 0–5 m deep.
Is the Rockpool prawn dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Rockpool prawn?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Rockpool prawn?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Palaemonidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 107614)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2224979)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia