Daggerblade grass shrimp (Palaemon pugio)

Apr 3

Body Shape & Size: Small, slender shrimp usually reaching lengths of about 2–4 centimeters (roughly 1–1.5 inches).
Coloration: Generally translucent or nearly transparent, allowing internal organs and food in the digestive tract to be somewhat visible. Some individuals display faint mottling or speckling.
Rostrum (“Daggerblade” Feature): The rostrum (forward-pointing extension on the head) is relatively long, thin, and slightly upturned, bearing a series of small teeth along its edge—this feature gives the species its “daggerblade” nickname.

Found primarily in shallow, brackish, and estuarine waters along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts down to Florida and along the Gulf of Mexico.
Commonly associated with grassy or vegetated habitats, such as salt marshes and seagrass beds. These areas offer both food (small invertebrates, detritus, and algae) and protection from predators.

Detritivores: They feed on detritus and algae, helping recycle nutrients within saltwater ecosystem.
Food Source: The grass shrimp offspring become a food item for porcelain crabs. Perished shrimps are food sources for hermit crabs, various snails, and amphipods.

3 April 2025: Female shrimps seem to always carry eggs. Larvae are regularly released and swim about but have never been seen to survive after a few days.