Three main colour patterns are known for this species. A pale body, closely speckled with dark sand-grain-coloured flecks, less commonly a general sandy colour as described above with a pair of prominent black patches on the back of the abdomen. Rarely back of the carapace and the rear of the abdomen black and everything else pinkish white.

Common in harbours, inlets and bays in the intertidal zone to depths of 20m.

Feeds on organic detritus at the surface of the sediment, their predators include flatfish and many seabirds.

The commonest NZ shallow-water sand shrimp

http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=107010 (accessed 06/12/10)