Banded coral shrimp
Stenopus hispidus
(Olivier, 1811)
Description:
Like all members of this group of shrimps, the Stenopodids, the third pair of walking legs is of different shape and bears claws.
This cleaning shrimp is easily recognized by the bands of red and white. The bands of red can be purple bordered. The bands extend onto the claws. Some parts of the animal and its walking legs can be translucent. The abdomen, carapace and third pair of legs are spiny. Size: up to about 5 cm.
Habitat:
Inhabits the coral reefs near openings or recesses. The shrimp waves its antennae to attract fish. It will feed on the parasites it removes from the fish's skin.
Depth: ranges from 2 m down to 40 m.
Distribution:
All throughout the Caribbean.
Remarks:
When approached carefully with an extended hand, it may come out of its protection to clean it.