The Red Handed Shrimp (Palaemon serenus) belongs to the Palaemonid shrimp family Palaemonidae. Palaemonid shrimps are part of the shrimp group referred to as Carids, which are characterised by pincers on the first two pairs of legs, a second abdominal segment that overlaps the first and eggs that are carried under the abdomen. Palaemon serenus is found around the southern part of the Australian coast from South Australia around to New South Wales including Tasmania. They can be found shallow subtidal and intertidal marine and estuarine waters and can often be seen hiding in rock pools. They can often be found in large numbers hiding in cracks or under debris.
The Red Handed Shrimp Palaemon serenus is a small shrimp that can be recognised by the bright red banding on the front claws and the small yellow and brown spots that cover the translucent body. This species grows to a maximum body length of 6 cm.
