Crangon crangon

Crangon crangon is a species of shrimp found in the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is commonly known as the brown shrimp due to its distinctive coloration.

Description

The Crangon crangon is a small shrimp, typically measuring between 30 and 50 millimeters in length. It has a slender, elongated body with a brownish color that provides excellent camouflage in its sandy or muddy habitats. The shrimp's body is covered with tiny hairs, which give it a velvety appearance.

Distribution and Habitat

The Crangon crangon is native to the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, with its range extending from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. It prefers shallow waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, where it can bury itself to avoid predators.

Diet

The diet of the Crangon crangon consists mainly of small invertebrates, including other shrimp, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is also known to eat fish eggs and larvae.

Commercial Importance

The Crangon crangon is of significant commercial importance in several European countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. It is caught using beam trawls, and is often sold as a delicacy in seafood markets.

Conservation Status

The Crangon crangon is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, overfishing and habitat degradation pose potential threats to its populations.

See Also

• Shrimp fishing
• Crustacean
• North Sea