Atlantic ditch shrimp
Palaemon varians
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palaemon_varians
Overview
Palaemon varians, known as the Atlantic ditch shrimp and variable shrimp, is a caridean shrimp found from the Baltic Sea and the British Isles to the western Mediterranean Sea. It reaches up to 5 cm (2.0 in) in length and is never found in fully marine conditions, instead living in brackish water.
The Atlantic ditch shrimp faces significant threats from habitat degradation and pollution in its coastal and estuarine environments. Water quality deterioration from agricultural runoff, urban development, and industrial activities has reduced suitable habitat availability. Climate change impacts, including sea level rise and temperature fluctuations, further stress populations in their shallow water habitats.
Habitat
Shallow coastal waters, estuaries, salt marshes, and brackish ditches along Atlantic coastlines, typically in areas with vegetation and soft substrates. The species inhabits both tidal pools and permanent water bodies with varying salinity levels from fresh to marine conditions.
Other threatened species in Palaemonidae
Threatened in Algeria
Frequently asked questions
Why is Atlantic ditch shrimp classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Atlantic ditch shrimp live?
What are the main threats to Atlantic ditch shrimp?
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