Caprella californica

Stimpson, 1856

Caprella californica is a marine amphipod in the Caprellidae, commonly known as skeleton shrimp. First described by Stimpson in 1856, this species belongs to a group of small, elongated crustaceans that inhabit temperate coastal waters. The species name suggests a type locality in California, though published records indicate it is found in temperate Asia. Like other caprellids, it is presumed to be a benthic organism that clings to submerged substrates in marine environments.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Caprella californica: //kæˈprɛlə ˌkælɪˈfɔrnɪkə//

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Habitat

Marine benthic environments; presumed to inhabit coastal waters where caprellids typically cling to , hydroids, and other submerged substrates.

Distribution

Recorded from temperate Asia; type locality likely California based on epithet.

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Taxonomic Note

The specific epithet 'californica' suggests the was originally described from California, but current distribution records indicate a broader or shifted range to temperate Asian waters. This discrepancy may reflect historical taxonomic revisions, misidentifications, or genuine biogeographic patterns requiring further investigation.

Sources and further reading