Description

Also known as Anemone Shrimp, Carid Shrimp, Commensal Emperor Shrimp, Commensal Shrimp, Emperor Partner Shrimp, Emperor Shrimp, Imperator Commensal Shrimp, Imperator Shrimp, Imperial Cleaner Shrimp, Imperial Partner Shrimp.

Found living in pairs, in a symbiotic relationship, with sea cucumbers, Spanish Dancer Nudibranch, and sea stars, over coral and rocky reefs. Body red with white lines and purple tips to the claws.
They feed on algae, parasites, and plankton.
Length - 2cm
Depth - 1-45m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Often if a divers hand is near to a cleaner shrimps, they will hop on board and perform a manicure!

Carid shrimps occur worldwide in almost every habitat, from sea water to fresh water and can be found all over the reef.
They are generally respected by other creatures, often sharing burrows and holes and working as housekeepers.
They will wave their antennae around to attract customers, they then proceed to clean outside and inside the creatures mouths, gills etc,. Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zenopontonia_rex