Heterosquilla tricarinata

Heterosquilla tricarinata is a species of mantis shrimp in the family Tetrasquillidae. It is found in both the Indo-West Pacific, Andaman Islands and throughout New Zealand.

Taxonomy

This species was first described by Carl Freiedrich Wilhelm Claus, a German zoologist and anatomist, and originally Coronis tricarinata in 1871.

Description

Heterosquilla tricarinata live in tidal mud flats creating extensive barrow systems. This species of mantis shrimp is adapted for low dissolved oxygen levels in its benthic habitat. The shrimp ranges from a light beige to greenish colour with the females often having a distinctive red stripe along the spine.

Distribution

Three species of Heterosquilla range throughout New Zealand, from Northland to the south, including H. tricarinata found on the Chatham Rise and the Auckland Islands.

Ecology

H. tricarinata is an ambush predator with sharp pincers. Benthic foraging predators prey on H. tricarinata, including the rig or spotty dogfish shark ''.