WHATSTHATFISH
Crustaceans

Commensal Sponge Shrimp

Thaumastocaris streptopus

Also known as: Barrel Sponge Shrimp, Carid Shrimp, Commensal Shrimp, Sponge Shrimp, Streptopus Shrimp

Adult
@blogie · Rocky Beach Dive Site, Bgy. Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province, Philippines · October 20111 / 1
01

Overview

Found inside sponges, especially barrel sponges, these shrimps sometimes display pastel shades to match the sponge they inhabit.

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,.

02

How to identify

Head & Mouth
beady eyes

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-West Pacific
  • Country only · 1
LIVES IN

Found inside sponges, especially barrel sponges, these shrimps sometimes display pastel shades to match the sponge they inhabit.

04

Adult photos 1

06

Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumArthropoda
    3. classMalacostraca
    4. orderDecapoda
    5. familyPalaemonidae
    6. genusThaumastocaris
    7. speciesThaumastocaris streptopus Kemp, 1922

    SourcesWoRMS

    07

    More in the family

    Shrimps (Palaemonidae)