Alpheus macrocheles
Alpheus macrocheles, also known as the orange European snapping prawn, is a species of snapping shrimp within the family Alpheidae.[1] DescriptionAlpheus macrocheles grow up to 35 mm long[2] and have a cheliped morphology.[3] The chela is highly twisted and compressed, and the dactylar articulation deviates from the perpendicular plane to the dorsal margin.[3] There is often distinct grooves on the chela's lateral face.[3] Most individuals of this species are bright orange, however yellow individuals also exist.[2] Like other species within the genus Alpheus the claws of Alpheus macrocheles are asymmetrical, with one of the claws being larger than the other.[4] The larger claw is used for hunting small prey animals and self defence against predators and their own species.[2] DistributionAlpheus macrocheles can be found within the English Channel along the South coast of England[2] and France.[5] It has also been documented in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean on both sides, and even in waters around Ascension Island in the Central Atlantic.[3] It has been recorded to also live off the coast of Spain, Portugal, Greece[5] and the Azores Archipelago.[3] HabitatAlpheus macrocheles is a marine species.[3] It can be found living underwater in fissures and hollows underneath rocks and boulders.[2] They generally favour larger boulders on the lower shoreline.[2] The oceans current pushes sediment such as sand into the hollow, which allows A. macrocheles to excavate tunnels.[2] Tunnels are usually shared by a breeding pair and possess two entrances, with each entrance being guarded by an individual shrimp.[2] References
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