The range of S. reticulatum extends from Woods Hole, Massachusetts to Volusia County, Florida; a related species occurs in the Gulf of Mexico.

[4] The larvae or zoea of Sesarma reticulatum are aquatic, residing at a depth of greater than 1 meter below the water's surface.

[6] Their overpopulation, caused by over-harvesting by recreational fishermen of its natural predators such as blue crabs, striped bass, smooth dogfish and cod, has been blamed for the decline in cordgrass found in the salt marshes of Cape Cod and the decrease in the extent of salt marshes on the Atlantic coast of North America due to increased erosion.

Scientists from Brown and Princeton universities methodically ruled out other causes for the degradation of the salt marshes.

The research demonstrates the possible cumulative ecological impact of popular human activities such as recreational fishing.