Crinoid Snapping Shrimp

Q: Where can you find Crinoid Snapping Shrimp?

Crinoid Snapping Shrimp can be found in: Laccadive Islands, Mariana Islands, Australia West, Malaysia East, Taiwan, Australia North, Marshall Islands, Malaysia West, Vanuatu, Brunei, Myanmar, Banda Islands, Australia, Kenya, India, Japan South, India West, Thailand East, Thailand West, Indo-Pacific West, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Vietnam, Seychelles, Cambodia, Indo-Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Tanzania, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Chagos Islands, Mozambique, Palau, Philippines, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Micronesia, Mascarene Islands, Madagascar, Comoros, Thailand.

Synalpheus stimpsonii

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Max Depth

150 m

Synalpheus stimpsonii is a species of snapping shrimp of the family Alpheidae.

Description

The colour of the stripes generally depends on its host crinoid (Comaster spp). It is often marked with a series of yellow spots and lines. Key morphological characters of this genus include asymmetrical claws, with one massive claw with a locking mechanism enabling them to quickly close with a loud snapping noise. The eyes are protected by an extension of the carapace that covers the eyes. It is found in mated pairs and females are larger than males.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: Eastern Africa to Japan, Australia and Gilbert Islands.

Habitat

It is found in dead coral heads and under rocks. Frequently associated with crinoids and occasionally with alcyonarians. It feeds on the small food particles trapped in the arms of their host. It is protected from predators by its camouflaging colours which match their hosts. The shrimp are normally found in mating pairs and will defend the host from invaders using their large "pistol" claw. This claw produces a very loud snapping noise reaching over 200 decibels. The shockwave the snapping claw creates is also supposed to be able to stun other animals.