Animal Profiles
Crustaceans

Shrimp

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Shrimps have diverse roles on reefs. This account describes the Pacific cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis), which removes material from visiting fishes.

Lysmata amboinensis, the representative described in this account.

Lysmata amboinensis, the representative described in this account.

Хомелка · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Pacific cleaner shrimps inhabit Indo-Pacific and Red Sea reefs.
Habitat
Coral reef
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Parasites and dead tissue removed from fishes provide an important part of the diet.

Classification

Common name
Shrimp
Browse group
Crustaceans
Scientific name or taxon
Not specified in the source index
Source classification
Malacostraca

Three things to know

  • Long antennae are conspicuously white.
  • It establishes cleaning stations.
  • Fish parasites and dead tissue provide food.

Habitat and range

Pacific cleaner shrimps inhabit Indo-Pacific and Red Sea reefs. Crevices, caves and rocky ledges provide places to shelter and establish cleaning stations.

Appearance and adaptations

A pale body carries red longitudinal bands separated by a white stripe. Long white antennae stand out against the reef and help advertise the cleaning station.

Diet and behaviour

Parasites and dead tissue removed from fishes provide an important part of the diet. Fishes visit the station and allow the shrimp to work over their surfaces.

Sources

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