Orange European Snapping Prawn

Alpheus macrocheles

The orange European snapping prawn, Alpheus macrocheles, is a small crustacean reaching up to 35 mm in length. It is characterized by its bright orange coloration, although some individuals may appear yellow. A distinguishing feature is its asymmetrical claws, with one being significantly larger. This larger claw is used for hunting and defense. The species is found in the English Channel, Mediterranean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean, including areas around Ascension Island and the Azores. It prefers habitats with larger boulders and rocky substrates, where it can excavate tunnels in the sediment. These tunnels are often shared by a breeding pair, each guarding an entrance. Alpheus macrocheles is a benthic species, living in marine environments and occasionally in brackish waters. It is commonly found at depths shallower than 40 meters, although it can be found up to 100 meters deep. The species is part of the order Decapoda, which are mostly gonochoric, and exhibits a precopulatory courtship ritual involving olfactory and tactile cues. Divers encountering this species may find it in fissures and hollows under rocks, where it remains relatively cryptic. There is no IUCN evaluation for this species, and its conservation status remains unassessed.