The Common Prawn, scientifically known as Palaemon serratus, is a species of decapod crustacean commonly found in coastal waters throughout the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. It is a familiar sight to those who enjoy seafood, and its distinctive appearance and culinary value have made it a popular subject of study and interest.
Description & Characteristics
Palaemon serratus is characterized by its elongated, semi-transparent body. It typically measures between 8 and 15 centimeters in length, although larger individuals can reach up to 20 centimeters. The body is divided into a cephalothorax, which includes the head and thorax, and an abdomen. The cephalothorax bears a pair of prominent, stalked eyes, a rostrum (a sharp, forward-pointing projection), and two pairs of antennae. The abdomen consists of six segments, each with a pair of swimmerets, and ends in a telson, a flattened, tail-like structure. These prawns are typically pale pink or brown in color, but can exhibit a range of shades depending on their habitat and diet.
Habitat and Occurrence
Palaemon serratus is a versatile species, thriving in a variety of marine environments. Its habitat preference includes coastal waters, intertidal and tidal zones, and rocky, hard seabeds. They are particularly fond of areas with abundant seagrass meadows and eelgrass meadows. Palaemon serratus is well-adapted to both submerged and exposed conditions, often found in tide pools or rock pools. While commonly found in shallow waters, they can also be found in deeper zones, extending to the shelf edge at around 200 meters. This adaptability makes them a familiar presence in the neritic zone, the marine zone that spans the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge. Their presence in unconsolidated muddy grounds is also noted.
Taxonomy
The species Palaemon serratus belongs to the Class: Malacostraca, Order: Decapoda, and Family: Palaemonidae. This classification highlights its position within the vast and diverse crustacean family.
Distribution and Occurrence
Palaemon serratus is found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Mediterranean Sea in the south to Norway and Iceland in the north. Its distribution extends westward to the coasts of Ireland and the United Kingdom. This species is a common sight in the coastal waters of these regions, thriving in the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. Its presence within these different marine zones, particularly the neritic zone, underscores its adaptability and resilience.
Feeding
Palaemon serratus is an omnivore, meaning it consumes both plant and animal matter. Its diet consists primarily of algae, smaller crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Its feeding habits make it an integral part of the marine food web, contributing to the balance of its ecosystem.
Image References