The prawn is a crustacean with a cylindrical, laterally compressed body consisting of a carapace at the front and 6 abdominal segments. They have a large head section facing upwards. They have 7 teeth on the upper edge and 4-7 teeth on the lower edge. Just below the compound eyes emerge the antennules, below which are the antennae. 

They are translucent with horizontal or oblique pink-brown lines on the carapace and vertical lines on the abdomen. The first two pairs of legs have small pincers and show coloured bands of yellow and red.  The last 3 pairs of legs are adapted for locomotion. 

They usually live in groups and seek out rocky areas where they hide in holes and crevices between rocks. It is an omnivorous species. Their diet is based on almost anything they find — algae, dead fish and any organic remains. 

They inhabit rocky shore bottoms covered by algae, in intertidal pools and in rock pools, at depths of up to 40 m. They also live in estuaries and seagrass beds. 

Their behaviour is nocturnal and they hide in crevices during the day.

It is a species that can withstand waters of varied salinity and temperature.

Interesting facts

They are cannibalistic. Due to this practice, the reproduction of this species in captivity has been complicated.

Conservation status