Palaemon pugio

Daggerblade Grass Shrimp

A nearly transparent grass shrimp with a dagger-like rostrum, moving through Marine Shore and Seagrass Meadow habitats while grazing, scavenging detritus, and feeding on dead animal matter.

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Identity & Origin +

Common Name: Daggerblade Grass Shrimp
Scientific Name: Palaemon pugio
Realm: Saltwater
Biome: Marine Shore, Seagrass Meadow
Introduction Method: Intentional Seeding
Date First Introduced: December 10, 2023

Population Dynamics +

Current Estimated Population: 5
Population Status: Vulnerable
Carrying Capacity Status: Below Capacity
Date Last Observed: June 10, 2026

Section Notes

The population remains vulnerable, but recent video confirms that Daggerblade Grass Shrimp can scavenge dead animal matter in the Seagrass Meadow, including Eelgrass Isopod carcasses.

Trophic Ecology +

Trophic Level: Omnivore
Feeding Niche / Method: Grazing, detritus scavenging, and carcass scavenging
Dietary Inputs: Algae, detritus, biofilm, and dead animal matter such as small crustacean carcasses
Known Predators: Possibly the green porcelain crab eating offspring

Section Notes

Trophic classification is Omnivore/Detritivore. Food-web role: seagrass-surface grazer, detritus processor, and prey/host context. Dietary inputs include algae, biofilm, detritus, and fine organic particles.

Environmental Tolerances +

Life Cycle & Reproduction +

System Reproduction Status: Attempted/Unsuccessful
Growth Rate: Slow

Section Notes

This species is actively reproducing and its offspring do make it to the mysis stage but they don't seems to make it past this stage. The reason is unknown. Likely there's either a lack of food or they are all consumed by the green porcelain crab.

Ecological Role & Symbiosis +

Marine/Saltwater

A marine meadow where seagrasses, macroalgae, grazers, filter feeders, worms, crabs, and small invertebrates compete over light, nutrients, and detritus.

Marine/Saltwater

A sandy, limestone shoreline where beach grasses, crabs, snails, and detritivores move nutrients across the waterline.

Daggerblade Grass Shrimp

Section Notes

Section Notes

Classification Pending

Section Notes

Biomes This Species Lives In

Seagrass Meadow

Marine Shore

Grass Shrimp Grooming Observed in the Seagrass Meadow

Related Subjects

Day 4 marine ecosystem: meet some of the inhabitants

Daggerblade Grass Shrimp

Biomes This Species Lives In

Grass Shrimp Grooming Observed in the Seagrass Meadow

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