About Palaemon serenus (Heller, 1862)
Palaemon serenus can reach an overall length of up to 6 cm (2.4 in). It has a transparent body marked with reddish spots and flecks that run longitudinally along its abdomen, and oblique red lines across its carapace. The species’ second pair of legs is elongated, ending in small white claws, with a distinct bright red band located just close to the claws. Females of this species grow larger than males, and carry their eggs underneath the abdomen. Palaemon serenus occurs in the coastal waters of southern and eastern Australia, with recorded presence in the states and territories of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia. It lives in intertidal areas, coastal reefs, and seagrass meadows at depths down to 12 m (39 ft), and can also be found in high-salinity zones within estuaries.
