Chameleon Shrimp

Praunus flexuosus

The Chameleon Shrimp, Praunus flexuosus, is a slender crustacean with a distinctively bent body, reaching up to 26 mm in length. Its coloration is highly variable, ranging from brown or red to green, which helps it blend into its surroundings. This variability in color is why it is commonly known as the Chameleon Shrimp. It closely resembles its relative, Praunus neglectus, but can be distinguished by specific morphological features. Chameleon Shrimp are found in European waters, from northern France to the Baltic Sea, and have also been introduced to North America, where they are established along the East Coast. They inhabit shallow waters, often associating with seaweed, particularly Fucus vesiculosus, and can be found around docks and other artificial structures. They tolerate a wide range of salinities and are typically seen at depths shallower than 40 meters. As omnivores, Chameleon Shrimp feed on debris and small crustaceans, particularly harpacticoid copepods, and consume a greater proportion of macrozooplankton compared to other littoral mysids. Their breeding involves females brooding eggs in a pouch until they hatch. The species has two generations per year, with a spring generation appearing in May or June. While their conservation status is not evaluated, they are not considered rare in their habitats.