Caprella

Caprella is a genus of amphipod crustaceans, commonly known as “skeleton shrimp” or “caprellid amphipods,” due to their elongated, slender bodies resembling miniature skeletons. These are marine invertebrates found worldwide in various coastal habitats, with a remarkable ability to cling to seaweed, hydroids, sponges, and other submerged surfaces.

Caprella acanthifera

Caprella tsugarensis

Characteristics

Caprella species exhibit a distinctive morphology. They are typically 5-20 millimeters in length, with a cylindrical body divided into 14 segments (somites). The head bears a pair of prominent antennae and a pair of compound eyes. The thorax, comprising 7 segments, features a pair of robust, grasping appendages (chelipeds) on the first segment and several pairs of slender, segmented legs (pereiopods) on the remaining segments. The abdomen, composed of 6 segments, is relatively short and ends in a pair of uropods.

Habitat and Distribution

Caprella species are widespread in coastal marine environments, inhabiting a variety of habitats, including:

  • Intertidal zones
  • Subtidal reefs
  • Seagrass meadows
  • Kelp forests
  • Estuaries
They are typically found attached to marine plants, animals, or other submerged structures, often in areas with strong currents. Caprella species are known for their ability to survive in harsh conditions, including low oxygen levels and high salinity.

Diet and Ecology

Caprella species are herbivorous, feeding primarily on algae and detritus. They are also known to scavenge on dead organisms. Their diet and feeding behavior play a crucial role in the food web, influencing the distribution and abundance of other organisms in their ecosystem.

Reproduction

Caprella species exhibit a unique reproductive strategy. Females carry their eggs in a brood pouch located on the underside of the thorax. The eggs are fertilized internally, and the embryos develop within the pouch until they hatch as free-swimming larvae.

References