Preferred Habitat of Alope Spinifrons
Abstract This investigation examined the preferred habitat of the prawn Alope spinifrons for the purpose of keeping the prawn in optimum conditions in captivity. The survey took place on shoreline between Matapouri Bay and Wooleys ' Bay on the Tutukaka Coast. A. spinifrons populations were surveyed, water chemistry, temperature and depth were noted as well as substrate type and flora and fauna sharing the area. A. spinifrons preferred sheltered rocky areas where there was good water circulation and a water level at MLWS deep enough to prevent desiccation. Because of their social structure A. spinifrons preferred areas where other individuals had already settled.
Introduction The species Alope spinifrons is a Heavy built shrimp found on the coastline throughout New Zealand. It has a green translucent body with longitudinal red stripes and carapace reaches 16mm in length (Morton, Miller 1968). Usually found beneath rocks or in crevasses in the sub littoral zone. The species is a good specimen for the aquarium because of its social interactions bright colours and scavenging diet but appears to be sensitive to abiotic factors. The purpose of this survey is to identify the preferred habitat of A. spinifrons so that it can be kept in captivity successfully.
Methods The survey was conducted on the 15th and 16th of May, 2003. At Mean Low Water Spring (MLWS). Along the coast from Wooleys ' Bay to The north end of Matapouri Bay, on the Tutukaka Coast. Four separate populations of Alope spinifrons were located by walking the length of coast, all rock pools and mobile rocks, boulders and cervices were inspected. The four populations were then surveyed.
Once an area was identified to contain A. spinifrons it was photographed, Exposure and substrate was noted. The area was then systematically searched by lifting rocks and taking note of flora and fauna that shared the rock with A. spinifrons.
The rocks were lifted from the survey facing area edge towards the
Introduction The species Alope spinifrons is a Heavy built shrimp found on the coastline throughout New Zealand. It has a green translucent body with longitudinal red stripes and carapace reaches 16mm in length (Morton, Miller 1968). Usually found beneath rocks or in crevasses in the sub littoral zone. The species is a good specimen for the aquarium because of its social interactions bright colours and scavenging diet but appears to be sensitive to abiotic factors. The purpose of this survey is to identify the preferred habitat of A. spinifrons so that it can be kept in captivity successfully.
Methods The survey was conducted on the 15th and 16th of May, 2003. At Mean Low Water Spring (MLWS). Along the coast from Wooleys ' Bay to The north end of Matapouri Bay, on the Tutukaka Coast. Four separate populations of Alope spinifrons were located by walking the length of coast, all rock pools and mobile rocks, boulders and cervices were inspected. The four populations were then surveyed.
Once an area was identified to contain A. spinifrons it was photographed, Exposure and substrate was noted. The area was then systematically searched by lifting rocks and taking note of flora and fauna that shared the rock with A. spinifrons.
The rocks were lifted from the survey facing area edge towards the
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