Caprella

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Superorder: Peracarida
Order: Amphipoda
Suborder: Senticaudata
Family: Caprellidae
Genus: Caprella

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Caprella: /kəˈprɛlə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Caprella californica by EcologyWA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Native range of the Japanese skeleton shrimp (Caprella mutica) by Obsidian Soul. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Caprella mutica male morphology by Caprella_mutica_3.jpg: Hans Hillewaert
derivative work: Obsidi♠nSoul. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Caprella mutica gnathopod anatomy by Obsidian Soul. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Aquarium (Caprella mutica) by
Hans Hillewaert. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Caprella mutica map of introduction pathways and global invasive distribution by Obsidian Soul. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Caprella is a large genus of skeleton shrimps within the family Caprellidae, notably recognized for its elongated morphology and ecological significance in marine environments. It contains about 170 species and was first described by Lamarck in 1801.

Physical Characteristics

Caprella species are characterized by their elongated and rudimentary body form, resembling small sticks or skeletons. They typically have long antennae and a reduced exoskeleton.

Identification Tips

Look for their distinctive elongated bodies and the lack of significant carapace development. Many species exhibit a form of camouflage resembling hydroids or other sea organisms, making them difficult to spot.

Habitat

Caprella species are predominantly found in marine environments, often associated with algae, corals, and other benthic structures in shallow waters.

Distribution

Approximately 170 species of Caprella are distributed globally, with varying abundance in temperate and tropical marine systems.

Diet

They are generally detritivores or filter feeders, consuming a diet of organic materials and small particles from the water column.

Life Cycle

Caprella undergo a complex life cycle involving several larval stages, including a nauplius stage, before reaching maturity.

Reproduction

Reproductive methods vary among species; some exhibit ovoviviparity where eggs hatch internally, while others may lay eggs externally.

Predators

Caprella shrimps are preyed upon by various marine fish and invertebrates that inhabit their environments.

Ecosystem Role

Caprella serves an important role in the marine ecosystem as both a detritivore and as a food source for larger predators.

Evolution

The genus Caprella has undergone significant evolutionary adaptations that enable them to occupy specific niches within marine habitats.

Similar Taxa

Caprellinae
Caprellidae

Misconceptions

Many people mistake Caprella for other small marine invertebrates, including small crabs or other shrimps due to their unique morphology.