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


Introduction
Odontodactylus scyllarus is a salt water crustacea.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size10 cm
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Maximum size18 cm
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Average size10 cm
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Maximum size18 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
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Sociabilityliving as a couple or alone
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territorialNo
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VenomousNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
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
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature24 - 29 °C
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Depth0 - 0 m
Biotope presentation
Species of the same biotope
To go further
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
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Partners
Species of the same biotope


