 VideoMale. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 04/19/08. |
Skeleton Shrimp Caprella (mendax sp.?) Amphipoda; Caprellidae Back to Crustacea index page |
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| Skeleton shrimps (caprellids) are amphipod crustaceans with very slender cylindrical bodies. They are often found clinging to sponges, hydroids, algae, and other aquatic organisms. They face into the current with their clawed legs outstretched so they can capture drifting plankton. Like other amphipods, skeleton shrimp have two pairs of antennae but the legs behind the first pair are greatly reduced in number. The first pair can be seen just under the head, the second pair carries the large grasping claws, and those at the hind end are used for holding on to the substrate. These animals can move by grasping alternately with the front and hind legs, like an inchworm. They can also swim by rapidly bending and straightening their bodies. The female of some species kills the male after mating, and then carries her eggs in a brood pouch on the middle part of her body. |  Larva identified by DNA barcoding. Off Newport Aquatic Center, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 12/05/12. © Peter J. Bryant. |
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 Female. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 05/24/08. |
 Females and one juvenile. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 05/24/08. |
 Male and female. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 05/24/08. |
 Disco dancing?. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 05/24/08. |
 Family group?. Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 05/24/08. |
