Sand shrimp

Systematic position: The sand shrimp Crangon septemspinosa belongs to the order Decapoda and the family Crangonidae. This species is a common inhabitant of the coastal waters of the North Atlantic, playing a significant role in shallow-water marine ecosystems.

Crops and economic impact: While not a pest in traditional terrestrial farming, this species is considered a nuisance in specialized aquaculture facilities. The shrimp can damage juvenile mollusks, fish eggs, and the root systems of coastal marine plants, which are often cultivated in high-value mariculture zones.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle of Crangon septemspinosa is highly dependent on water temperature. Reproduction typically occurs during spring and summer. Females carry fertilized eggs on their pleopods. Larvae develop in the water column through several stages before settling to the seafloor to adopt a benthic lifestyle.

Nature of damage: When populations are dense, these crustaceans can destroy seedlings in nurseries focused on seaweed or shellfish production. They consume or prune young shoots and disturb substrates, leading to decreased yields and significant financial losses for commercial growers.

Control measures: Management of this species in commercial zones involves the installation of fine-mesh exclusion nets to prevent crustacean access to sensitive crops. Other methods include biological control by supporting natural predators, as well as optimizing the timing of planting cycles to avoid periods of peak shrimp migration and high activity.