Aquatic Animals
The waters on Stanpit Marsh play host to a wide variety of aquatic animals, some easier to spot than others. Click on an image below for information on some of the species which call the Marsh home for at least part of the year (or their lifecycle.)
Water Measurer (Hydrometra stagnorum)
Slender, blackish insect up to 12mm long. Found on the surface of still or slow water, such as the pools and drainage channels of Stanpit Marsh.
Water Louse (Asellus aquaticus)
Resembling a woodlouse, the water louse is found on debris or among plants in still or slow-moving water.
Three-Spined Stickleback
Three-Spined Stickleback are up to 5 centimetres long and can be found in Purewell stream, drainage channels and creeks.
Shore Crab (Carcinus Maenas)
The shore crab is about 3 inches across and 2 inches long, and can be green, brown, orange or red. They are widespread and can be found in creeks and salt pans of Stanpit Marsh.
Ragworm (Nereis Diversicolor)
Segmented worm with swimming legs (parapodia) covered with bristles. Reddish-brown or green and found in salt pans and creeks.
Nine-Spined Stickleback
Nine-Spined Stickleback are fairly rare. They are most commonly found in fresh water and may be seen in Purewell stream.
Mud Snail or Laver Spire Shell
About 5mm tall. Pale greyish brown. Found in Purewell stream, drainage channels, Central Marsh and Grimmery Marsh.
Mud Shrimp (Corophuim Sp.)
This whitish-grey crustacean is 8 to 10mm long and lives in semi=permanent burrows in mud. It is widespread on salt marshes,
Mosquito larva (Culex sp.)
These 10mm larvae hang from the surface of the water at an angle, are may be found in
pools on North Scrubs, Grimmery, East and North Marsh, Mother Siller’s channel and drainage channels.
European Eel
The European Eel may be found at sea or in fresh water according to its stage of development. You may see them in creeks, salt pans and reed beds at Stanpit Marsh.
Dwarf Pond Snail (Lymnaea Truncatula)
The Dwarf Pond Snail (8 to 12 mm) has a black or brownish shell with fine striations. This common, semi-aquatic mollusc can be found in Purewell stream and drainage channels on the Marsh.
Damselfly Nymph (Zygopteran Nymph)
The Damselfly nymph is between 15 and 30 mm long and can be found among the weeds along Purewell stream and in drainage channels on Central Marsh and Grimmery Marsh.
Brown or Common Shrimp (Crangon Crangon)
This 3-5cm crustacean is a brownish colour with small flecks and likely to be found in salt pans and creeks.
