
The rockpool shrimp (Palaemon elegans) is native to the Northeast Atlantic. The species inhabits tidepools and shallow subtidal habitats with rocky substrates, vegetation, or artificial structures. Non-native populations exist in the Baltic Sea, Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, and the along the East Coast of the U.S., where the species was first observed in Salem, Massachusetts, in 2010. The species is a recent introduction to New York, and its impacts are currently unknown.
Description
How to identify rockpool shrimp:
Translucent body with dark red-brown bands
Orange and blue bands on the legs and claws
Rostrum has 7-9 dorsal teeth
Can be up to 2.5 inches long
Habitat and Distribution
Rockpool shrimp are native to the Northeast Atlantic. The species occurs in shallow subtidal habitats, tidepools, marinas, and salt marsh creeks. Non-native populations occur in the Baltic Sea, Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, and along the East Coast of the U.S. (Long Island, NY to Maine). The first observation of the species along the East Coast of the U.S. was in Salem, Massachusetts, in 2010. In New York, the species has been observed in Long Island Sound and the South Shore Estuary Reserve.

Impacts
The species is a recent introduction to New York, and its impacts are currently unknown. Elsewhere in the world where non-native populations exist, rockpool shrimp have displaced native shrimp species.
Spread
It is unclear how rockpool shrimp were introduced to the East Coast of the U.S.
How You Can Help
Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and equipment thoroughly before visiting other waterbodies.
Inspect and remove debris and mud from boats, trailers, and equipment.
Dispose of all debris and bait in trash cans or at disposal stations.
Drain all water-holding compartments including live wells, bait wells, and bilge areas. If possible, visit a decontamination station and disinfect compartments with hot water (140°F) for at least 30 seconds.
Dry boats, trailers, and all equipment before use in another water body. A minimum of 5–7 days of drying time in dry, warm conditions is recommended.
Do not dump aquarium contents in any waterbodies, drainage ditches, or sewers.
Use certified bait that is non-invasive and disease free.
Learn how to identify rockpool shrimp and report any encounters.
If you think you have found a rockpool shrimp:

DO NOT RELEASE IT ALIVE.
Take several photos of it from different angles and dispose of the specimen
Email the photos, noting where it was caught (coordinates preferred), to [email protected], OR
Submit a report through iMapInvasives
Additional Resources
National Estuarine and Marine Exotic Species Information System - information on marine and estuarine invertebrates and algae introduced to the United States – species profile on rockpool shrimp