Upogebia pusilla

Upogebia pusilla is a species of mud shrimp found predominantly in European waters, especially around the Mediterranean Sea. It inhabits benthopelagic zones, ranging from intertidal areas down to depths of about 45 meters, and is sometimes found in estuarine environments. This species is known for its distinctive morphology, featuring a rostrum that ends in three teeth, with the median tooth being the longest and rounded at the apex. The carapace has a small but distinct tooth at the level of the eye, and the first pereiopods are subchelate. These mud shrimps are adept at creating simple Y-shaped burrows in mud or sandy mud substrates, which can have two or more entrances. This burrowing behavior makes them well-suited to their preferred habitats, which include muddy-bottoms and estuarine areas. Upogebia pusilla can reach a maximum length of about 8.0 cm, with a more common length of 6.5 cm. They are typically found in subtropical regions, extending from the Eastern Atlantic to the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Red Sea. The mating behavior of Upogebia pusilla involves a precopulatory courtship ritual, which is common among members of the order Decapoda. This involves olfactory and tactile cues, and usually results in indirect sperm transfer.