Palaemon serratus, commonly known as the common prawn or serrated shrimp, is a species of decapod crustaceans belonging to the family Palaemonidae. The scientific name derives from the Greek ‘palaemon‘, a sea god, and the Latin ‘serratus‘, meaning ‘serrated‘, referring to the saw-like edges found on some parts of its body. This species inhabits coastal waters of the northeastern Atlantic, including the western coasts of Europe from Norway to Morocco, and is also common in the Mediterranean. It is typically found in rocky areas or intertidal zones, down to depths of 40 meters, although it can also occur in estuaries and areas with algae or sandy substrates.
Morphologically, Palaemon serratus is characterized by an elongated body that can reach 10–12 cm in length. Its exoskeleton is translucent, with brown or green tones that help it blend into its environment, and it is often marked with dark longitudinal stripes. One of its most distinctive features is the long, sharp rostrum with a series of small serrated teeth on both the dorsal and ventral edges — hence its name. This differentiates it from similar species such as Palaemon elegans, which has a shorter rostrum with fewer teeth. In addition, P. serratus has prominent compound eyes and pereopods with small pincers on the first two pairs of legs.
Regarding its feeding habits, Palaemon serratus is a generalist omnivore. Its diet includes small invertebrates such as molluscs and annelids, as well as algae and decomposing organic matter. It can also feed on fish and crustaceans larvae, as well as detritus found on the seabed. It is an active and opportunistic predator, which allows it to adapt to a variety of feeding conditions in its environment.
The reproduction of Palaemon serratus occurs mainly in spring and summer, when fertilized females carry eggs attached to their pleopods until they hatch. The eggs are dark green in color, and the number varies depending on the size of the female. The larvae, known as nauplii, go through several planktonic developmental stages before settling on the seabed and adopting a form more similar to that of adults.
An interesting aspect of Palaemon serratus is its commercial importance in coastal fisheries, especially in countries such as Spain, France, and Portugal, where it is harvested for human consumption. It is also the subject of studies on the impact of climate change on marine species, as its geographical distribution and reproductive habits may be affected by rising sea temperatures.
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