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Stout Shrimp

Heptacarpus brevirostris
A stout shrimp out of water on barnacle covered rocks

Stout Shrimp

Heptacarpus brevirostris
Other Common Names
Stout Coastal Shrimp, Short-spined shrimp
At the Aquarium
Sandy Coast
Other Common Names
Stout Coastal Shrimp, Short-spined shrimp

At the Aquarium

Sandy Coast

Appearance

Members of this family of shrimp are sometimes called broken-back shrimp due to a sharp angle where the tail and body meet. Stout shrimp can come in a variety of colors though there’s usually some brown or green present. The carapace of the shrimp is nearly as high as it is long. The rostrum is short and has 3-6 stout dorsal spines and no teeth on the underside.

Habitat

Intertidal to depths of 420 feet; can be found on pilings and abundant in eelgrass and on algae-covered rocks.

Diet

Omnivorous

Life History

Females brood the eggs. Larvae are planktonic. Males grow to 2 inches while females grow a little longer, to 2.4 inches.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Predators of stout shrimp include the rosylip sculpin
Range
Alaska to California
On the Oregon Coast
These shrimp can be found in tidepools but only at night.
Fun Facts
Shrimp in this group exhibit body, gill, and embryo grooming to combat microbial fouling and parasites.

Citations & Other Resources

Invertebrates of the Salish Sea website
Back to All Animals

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About Oregon Coast Aquarium

Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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