Size

Length: 2-5cm (1-2")

Recognition Characters

Rostrum reaches distal end of 2nd article of antennular peduncle, slightly decurved, armed dorsally with 4 or 5 teeth and ventrally with 3 to 5 teeth. Carapace is smooth; carinate dorsally on anterior half with spine near base of rostrum. Eyes are well developed. Epipods on first 4 pairs of legs. First legs moderately stout, about equal, reaching to end of antennal scale. Telson tapers to tip with minute median projection flanked by 2 long, slender spine, short spine outside these on each side; armed dorsally with 2 pairs of prominent spines at 1/3 and 2/3 length. Uropodal exopods have outer margin ending in 2 distinct teeth.

Color

Body is translucent white with beautiful longitudinal and transverse red lines.

Habitat & Depth

Reefs up to 30m.

Distribution at GRNMS

Common when found. Commensal with sponges and tunicates at GRNMS.

Geographic Range

North to New Jersey and south to Brazil, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico

Behavior & Notes

This shrimp is known as a cleaner shrimp. When approached by a spiny boxfish or filefish, the shrimp begins rhythmically rocking to and fro; ascending vertically in a peculiar walking motion and mounts its host to begin picking off parasites. Shrimp will attempt to clean fingers of people, picking at cuts or loose skin.

Synonyms

References

Humann 1992a, Ruppert and Fox 1988, Williams 1984