Odontodactylus scyllarus

Scientific name Odontodactylus scyllarus
Descriptor Linnaeus
Year of description 1758
IUCN category NE
Family Odontodactylae
Genus Odontodactylus
Odontodactylus scyllarus Odontodactylus scyllarus

Introduction

Odontodactylus scyllarus is a salt water crustacea.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    10 cm
  • Maximum size
    18 cm
  • Average size
    10 cm
  • Maximum size
    18 cm

How to recognize Odontodactylus scyllarus ?

Odontodactylus scyllarus measures between 10 and 18 cm.

Of elongated form, like all the shrimps, it has 5 pairs of legs and a segmented carapace at the level of the abdomen which ends in a tail in fan cut for swimming.

This species belongs to the "long arm shrimp" group because its second pair of claws is of imposing size. These appendages are used mainly to defend themselves, but also to catch food.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • Sociability
    living as a couple or alone
  • territorial
    No
  • Venomous
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal

Like all crustaceans, Odontodactylus scyllarus molts whenever it becomes cramped in its shell. Before the hardening of its new body, it is more vulnerable and spends a good part of its time hidden. This mechanism, very complex, allows the periodic renewal of the exoskeleton and part of the internal skeleton. It is also during the moult that the females become fertile.

Odontodactylus scyllarus is a crustacea living as a couple or alone. This species is carnivorous .

Although Odontodactylus scyllarus is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species. In a constant quest for dominance, the dominant males of this species cannot stand each other. The battle between two individuals can be intense and violent. It will result in the submission and sometimes even death of one of the protagonists.

Odontodactylus scyllarusis not a very good swimmer, especially when it reaches adulthood. It moves mainly with the help of its legs.

Odontodactylus scyllarus has a tendency to dig the ground and bury itself in caves to take refuge.

Reproduction

  • Migratory species
    Yes

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    24 - 29 °C
  • Depth
    0 - 0 m

Biotope presentation

Species of the same biotope

To go further

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

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Where to see this species?

Species of the same biotope

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