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Phylum Arthropoda > Subphylum Crustacea > Class Malacostraca > Order Decapoda > prawns and shrimps >
Family Palaemonidae
Glass shrimp
Palaemon sp.*
Family Palaemonidae
updated Jan 2020
Where seen? This transparent shrimp is sometimes seen on some of our shores. At low tide in pools, in small groups on rubble and reefs. Also on sandy silty shores among seaweeds, as well as near mangroves.

Features: About 1-2cm long. The body is transparent, plain or with thin dark bands across the body. Has a sharp pointed 'nose' and the eyes are not very far apart. Pincers long. Pincers and walking legs with yellow joints. Some have a pair of yellow or orangey dots near the tail.

Several different species of shrimps might have this appearance.

St. John's Island, May 06


Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Nov 03

Pasir Ris, Aug 11

Sisters Island, Dec 08

*Species are difficult to positively identify without close examination.
On this website, they are grouped by external features for convenience of display.

Glass shrimps on Singapore shores
On wildsingapore flickr

Other sightings on Singapore shores


Coney Island, Nov 15
Photo shared by Loh Kok Sheng on flickr.


Berlayar Creek, Oct 17
Photo shared by Marcus Ng on facebook.



Small Sisters Island, Aug 20
Photo shared by Marcus Ng on facebook.



Several with eggs.
St John's Island, Oct 20

Photo shared by Loh Kok Sheng on facebook.



Pulau Hantu, Jul 07
Photo shared by Marcus Ng on flickr.


Links References
  • Lim, S., P. Ng, L. Tan, & W. Y. Chin, 1994. Rhythm of the Sea: The Life and Times of Labrador Beach. Division of Biology, School of Science, Nanyang Technological University & Department of Zoology, the National University of Singapore. 160 pp.
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