Common Prawn - Palaemon serratus
(Photo credit Derek Haslam)
What is it? A small, almost transparent crustacean with red, blue and yellow markings. They often live in groups and are fast-moving; using their legs to walk along the seafloor and tail fan to swim. The small front claws are used to pick up food.
How big is it? Common prawns are quite small, only reaching a maximum 10cm long.
What does it eat? The common prawn is largely omnivorous, and will eat carrion, detritus and plankton.
Where do they live? Common Prawns are commonly found over rocky seabed.
How can I find them? These animals are often seen when diving as they occur most commonly at diving depths. Smaller individuals, and other similar species, may be seen in rockpools.
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