Species alert
Palaemon elegans found in Estonia
Photo: Palaemon elegans. All photos by Kaido Haagen
Invasive species alert for: Palaemon elegans Rathke,
1837
Common name: Rockpool prawn
Where, when and how discovered: Photographed in a bay in
Lahemaa national park (Gulf of Finland) by Kaido Haagen on 25th August 2010.
Almost a year later he started to doubt initial identification (Palaemon
adspersus) and sent the photos to marine specialists.
Why the concern? The species seems not to be well known, it's
distribution and alien status not well studied, but seems to (locally?)
outcompete native species Palaemon adspersus.
What does it look like? Looks like a small shrimp, at first
glance could be confused with Palaemon adspersus. Carapace and pleonites
with dark yellow-brown bands. Rostrum colourless or with small red
chromatophores. Legs with yellow and blue bands.
Size: length up to 63 mm.
Where might I see it? In shallow basins near shore in
Baltic Sea
Invasive status: Listed as potentially invasive in Poland
in the NOBANIS database. Also listed in DAISIE, but with no info about
status.
Introduction status: ?
Distribution Frequency: Rare
Is there a reference specimen?: No. The identification was
confirmed from a photograph.
Actions taken to date: Scientists have been notified, its presence
is currently being
studied.
Pathway of introduction: unknown
For more information on the siting in Estonia:
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