Common prawn

Palaemon serratus

InvertebrateBrackishshrimp

The common prawn is a large translucent striped Atlantic coastal shrimp, traditionally fished in Europe.

Common prawn — photo 1 sur 2 — Wikimedia Commons · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 2

Popularity

Brackish invertebrate

mangroves, estuaries

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Biotope

Mediterranean+1

Bassin méditerranéen et mer Rouge.

Description

Palaemon serratus reaches 6-11 cm. Its body is translucent with brown-red and sometimes bluish transverse bands. Legs and antennae are long. It lives in seagrass beds and shallow rocky areas, often in small groups. Omnivorous, it feeds on small crustaceans, algae, and detritus.

Habitat

Region :

Rocky coasts, estuaries, seagrass beds, and shallow brackish waters.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature12–22 °C

pH7.8–8.4

GH7–10 °dGH

KH6–12 °dKH

Salinity1.018–1.025 ‰

NO₃

≤ 10 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.1 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

2/5

Diet

Omnivore

Min. tank

80 L

Min. group

Adult size

11 cm

Lifespan

3 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

Stades larvaires planctoniques complexes; difficile en captivité.

Care notes

Minimum 80 L tank with rocky decor and hiding spots. Salinity 1.018-1.025 (seawater). Temperature 12-22°C (temperate waters). Compatible with peaceful fish and other invertebrates. Varied diet: brine shrimp, mysis, pellets, blanched vegetables. Sensitive to nitrates, regular water changes.

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