Macrobrachium spp.

(Long-clawed freshwater prawns)

Description

These freshwater prawns, which grow up to 15 cm long, may be seen at night during the wet season and where there are pools of water. It is difficult to identify the species unless egg size is known. The colour of adults varies, but they are often pale with a rusty or reddish-brown tinge; the arms are long and thin. These prawns are opportunistic scavengers foraging on detritus, algae, various invertebrates and small fish.