Pariambus typicus (Krøyer 1845)

Ghost shrimps are characterised by a slender, cylindrical body with less appendages than other amphipods. The males are large and slender whereas the females are stockier. Up to 7 mm long, elongate and transparent body clearly separated into segments. Central segments have rudimentary legs.

In the 1976-1986 period Pariambus typicus was found across the entire Belgian part of the North Sea with a low distribution frequency. In the 1994-2001 period the distribution frequency increased but the distribution was limited to the near-coastal zone, with the exception of the eastern costal zone. The density levels increased as well: from a maximum of 220 ind./m2 in the 1976-1986 period to a maximum of 15,000 ind./m2 in the 1994-2001 period.

Pariambus typicus is observed in fine to coarse-grained sediments (median grain size 100 to 500 µm) with a maximum mud content of 40%. Preference is given to sediments with a median grain size of 150 to 250 µm (relative occurrence: > 30%) and a mud content of 10 to 40% (relative occurrence: up to 60%).