Skeleton shrimp
Caprella spp.

Skeleton shrimp are tiny, gangly amphipods with transparent, stick-like bodies. They live attached to sponges and vegetation in the middle and lower Chesapeake Bay.

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A translucent green skeleton shrimp. The background also has a green tint and shows particles floating in the water.
Skeleton shrimp feed on copepods, a type of small crustacean, as well as algae and detritus in the water. (Photo courtesy of Robert Bachand)

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Appearance

Skeleton shrimp have long, gangly, stick-like bodies. Their bodies are usually transparent, but may vary in color from tan to brown to reddish. They have hooked, grasping rear legs and folded front legs, similar to a praying mantis. They grow to be between one-half inch to two inches in length.

Feeding

Skeleton shrimp eat copepods, algae and detritus. They use their front legs to capture their food.

Reproduction and life cycle

Skeleton shrimp reproduce sexually. Females carry large, transparent egg pouches on their abdomen. Some females may kill males after mating by injecting them with venom from a poisonous claw. After hatching, juveniles immediately attach to hydroids or vegetation. Females are believed to live for one year.

Did you know?

  • Skeleton shrimp move along hydroid branches similar to the way inchworms crawl.
  • Some species of skeleton shrimp can change color to blend in with their background.

Sources and additional information

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