71 — Glass shrimp, Palaemon affinis

Palaemon affinis, under Pilot Wharf,
Mt. Maunganui.

The glass shrimp, Palaemon affinis H. Milne Edwards, 1837 [in H. Milne Edwards, 1834–1840], is a small (to ~60mm) and mostly transparent shrimp endemic to New Zealand.

Palaemon affinis, under Pilot Wharf,
Mt. Maunganui.

They are abundant in a variety of habitats from tidal sand flats to clean waters, especially where there is a bit of shelter. They don't appear to like extreme exposure, but can be found in rock pools on exposed rocky coasts, where they can tolerate a wide range of salinities. However, they do appear to be less tolerant of effluent.

Glass shrimps are thought to be detritivores and seem to be attracted to underwater cameras (well, mine at least).

Palaemon affinis, under Pilot Wharf,
Mt. Maunganui.

Palaemon affinis, under Pilot Wharf,
Mt. Maunganui.

Palaemon affinis, under Pilot Wharf,
Mt. Maunganui.

More info: 

http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Bio07Tuat01-t1-body-d5.html

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0022098185901480