Page 84 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

CRUSTACEANS

Reproduction Common name: Japanese tiger prawn,
kuruma prawn

1 tooth 3 bands
identification

Scientific Name:
Marsupenaeus japonicus
Picture

Key identifying features

The overall body colour is generally pale pink or blue. Brief history
The carapace is smooth and glossy with no hairs,
and there are brownish transverse bars on the upper
side of the abdomen. The rostrum has 9-10 sharp
teeth on the upper margin and a single tooth on the
lower margin. The last pair of appendages (uropods)
has brown, yellow and blue transverse stripes, and
the first three pairs of walking legs bear claws. Reproduction
Males can reach a total length of 17 cm, females 27 The spawning season runs from April to November
cm. A key taxonomical feature for this species’ and begins when the seawater temperature exceeds
identification is the pouch-like thelycum (external 20 °C. Larvae require water temperatures above 24
receptacle) on the last pair of walking legs of °C for growth. The average life-span is
fertilized females. approximately 2.5 years.

Field identification signs and habitat
The Japanese tiger prawn inhabits mainly bays and
inland seas, from the coastline to depths of about 90
m, but usually less than 50 m. It prefers sandy and
sandy-mud bottoms, where it lies buried during the
day and roams on the bottom at night.

Marsupenaeus japonicus. Photo: B. Galil Marsupenaeus japonicus. Photo: M. Draman

Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean MPAs: A strategy and practical guide for managers 81