Description: This is a relatively large caprellid, that reaches up to 22 mm in length. First body section (pereonite 1) is elongated, as is the pereonite 2. The head and body is usually smooth, further down there are some dorsal tubercles present, especially towards the end of the body. There are dense swimming setae (hairs) on antenna 2. The basis of gnathopod 2 is longer than half the length of pereonite 2.

Habitat: Usually found on buoys amongst hydroids and bryozoans. Found from extreme low water to the sublittoral.

Distribution: Recorded from all coasts of Britain and around Northern Ireland, but few records exist for southern Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with other caprellids, careful inspection of body segments and antennae should help distinguish.

Key Identification Features:

• Relatively large caprellid, up to 22 mm.
• Pereonite 1 elongate.
• Head and body smooth.
• Dorsal tubercles present on lower body segments.
• Dense swimming setae on antenna 2.

Distribution Map from NBN: Caprella linearis at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Caprella linearis at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Caprella linearis

WoRMS: Caprella linearis at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Caprella linearis (Linnaeus, 1767). AphiaID: 101839.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Arthropoda; Crustacea; Multicrustacea; Malacostraca; Eumalacostraca; Peracarida; Amphipoda; Senticaudata; Corophiida; Caprellidira; Caprelloidea; Caprellidae; Caprellinae; Caprella