Freshwater Shrimp
Species Information
Statistics
Scientific name: Gammarus Pulex
Length:Â up to 22mmÂ
Conservation status
Common
When to see
January to December
About
Fresh water shrimps are not in fact shrimps, but a member of the amphipod family, which includes the marine sand hopper. They prefer fresh flowing water but have also been found in ponds. This species have many limbs designated for different functions – the first two limbs are designed for grasping whereas the next five are designed for swimming. Two long antennae are used to assist with locating decomposing plant and animal matter on which they feed. Before breeding, the male grips the female from behind and they swim in tandem for several days. Eventually the female sheds her skin which allows the male to deposit his sperm. The male then let’s go and the female carries the developing young in her pouch. After about a month the juveniles emerge and swim off, and a few months later will be ready to breed themselves.
How to identify
Fresh water shrimp have curved laterally compressed bodies with many limbs that allow these invertebrates to crawl into tight spaces. Their bodies are a translucent light brown colour. The males are up to 22mm long although the females are slightly smaller.
Did you know ?
Females can produce up to 50 young each month. Freshwater shrimps of the Gammarus genus swim on their sides.
How you can help?Â
Did you know you can help wildlife in your local river ? You can do this in many ways from reporting pollution to SEPA, by not flushing wet wipes down the toilet and even at one of our many conservation volunteer days. Check out our Get Involved page for more information on how you can get involved with your local river.