Serrated Lobster Shrimp – Axiopsis serratifrons

, Serrated Lobster Shrimp, Axiopsis serratifrons

Ascension Islands, Bahamas, Belize, Bermudas, China, Colombia, Curaçao, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Seychelles, South Africa, Syria, USA

Arabian Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean, Red Sea, South China Sea, Sulu Sea

The Serrated Lobster Shrimp, scientifically known as Axiopsis serratifrons, is a fascinating crustacean species that inhabits various marine environments. This shrimp is characterized by its distinctive serrated rostrum, a prominent feature that gives it its common name.

Description and Characteristics

The Axiopsis serratifrons is a relatively small shrimp, typically reaching a maximum size of around 2-3 inches in length. It possesses a slender, elongated body with a distinct carapace, the hard outer shell that protects the shrimp’s internal organs. The rostrum, a pointed projection on the head, is prominently serrated, giving the shrimp its characteristic appearance. This serrated rostrum is believed to play a role in prey capture and defense.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Axiopsis serratifrons is a benthic species, meaning it lives on the bottom of the ocean floor. Its preferred habitat includes sandy or muddy substrates, often in areas with moderate to high levels of sediment. They are commonly found in the intertidal zone, as well as in shallow to moderately deep waters, ranging from the littoral zone to depths of up to 50 meters. The Axiopsis serratifrons is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting areas like the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Western Pacific.

Taxonomy

The species Axiopsis serratifrons belongs to the Class: Malacostraca, Order: Decapoda, and Family: Axiidae. This classification places it within the group of crustaceans that includes lobsters, crabs, and shrimp. The Axiidae family is a diverse group of burrowing shrimp, known for their elongated bodies and distinctive rostrums.

Feeding

The Axiopsis serratifrons is an omnivore, meaning it consumes a wide range of food sources. Its diet includes algae, aquatic plants, brine shrimps, phytoplankton, and various types of frozen food, including both large and small sizes. They also consume Mysis, a type of small shrimp commonly used as a food source for aquarium fish. Their feeding behavior is opportunistic, and they will scavenge for food as well as actively hunt for smaller prey items.

Associated Species

Image References

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