Skeleton Shrimp (Caprella spp.)
Skeleton Shrimp (Caprella spp.)
Common name: skeleton shrimp
Scientific name: Caprella spp.
Locations: muddy, sub-tidal substrate, shallow and deep water
Seasonality: collected here December-April
Color: translucent-white
Size: ½” - 2”
Collected: dip net
Quantity: sold by the each
Tidepool Tim says, “Caprellidae is a family of amphipods named “skeleton shrimp” for their transparent, slender bodies. You can see their bones through their skin! We find these shrimp embedded in fine filaments of seaweed, hydroids, sponges, and bryozoans. Some species can even change color to camouflage with their background!”