---
title: Brown Grass Shrimp (Leander tenuicornis)
scientific_name: Leander tenuicornis
common_name: Brown Grass Shrimp
taxon: Shrimps
published: 2024-11-28T16:55:40.938Z
updated: 2026-08-08T21:29:43.107Z
tags: Brown Grass Shrimp, Leander tenuicornis, Shrimps, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/shrimps/brown-grass-shrimp
---

# Brown Grass Shrimp (*Leander tenuicornis*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Shrimps (*Caridea*)
- **Size:** 2.5 cm
- **Depth:** 1-71 m

The Brown Grass Shrimp, scientifically known as Leander tenuicornis, is a small shrimp species found predominantly in tropical regions. This shrimp inhabits the seafloor, thriving at depths ranging from 1 to 71 meters (approximately 3 to 233 feet). They are typically about 2.5 centimeters (approximately 1 inch) in length and are characterized by their brown-grayish coloration. Female shrimps are distinctively marked with two abdominal ocelli, which are eye-like spots on their abdomen.

As members of the order Decapoda, these shrimp exhibit a reproductive system that is predominantly gonochoric, meaning individual shrimps are distinctly male or female. Before mating, they often engage in a precopulatory courtship ritual that involves both chemical (olfactory) and physical (tactile) interactions to facilitate communication between potential mates. The process of transferring sperm usually occurs indirectly.

Leander tenuicornis can be found in various parts of the world, including the Indo-Pacific region, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.

## Also known as

- **English:** brown glass shrimp, brown grass shrimp
- **French:** crevette à rostre étroit
- **Spanish:** Camarón de coral
- **Japanese:** マイヒメエビ
- **Chinese:** 細腳瘦蝦

## Scientific synonyms

- *Astacus locusta* Fabricius, 1781
- *Leander erraticus* Desmarest, 1849
- *Leander natator* H. Milne Edwards, 1837
- *Palaemon latirostris* De Haan, 1844
- *Palaemon mauritii* Spamer & Bogan, 1992
- *Palaemon mexicanus* Spamer & Bogan, 1992
- *Palaemon tenuicornis* Say, 1818
- *Palaemon torensis* Paulson, 1875
- *Palemon natator* H. Milne Edwards, 1837
- *Penaeus adspersus* Tilesius, 1819
- *Penaeus punctatissimus* Bosc, 1801

## Range

Anegada, Antigua and Barbuda, Caribbean Sea, Coral Sea, East Atlantic, FAO fishing area 34, FAO fishing area 47, Guana Island, Gulf of Mexico, Haiti, Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific, Lesser Antilles, Mediterranean Sea, Mozambique, New Caledonian Exclusive Economic Zone, North Atlantic Ocean, Red Sea, Saint Thomas, Seychelles, South Africa, Southern Caribbean, Tortola, Venezuela, Virgin Gorda, West Atlantic

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/shrimps/brown-grass-shrimp)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*