WHATSTHATFISH
Crustaceans

Whip Coral Shrimp

Pontonides unciger

Also known as: Carid Shrimp, Commensal Shrimp, Sea Whip Coral Shrimp, Whip Coral Partner Shrimp, Whip Shrimp, Wire Coral Shrimp

Adult
@blogie · Coral Gardens, Talicud Island, Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines · January 20121 / 4
01

Overview

Found only on Black Coral - Cirripathes, taking on the colour and pattern of the coral to blend in.

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

Pattern
stripes

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-West Pacific
  • Country only · 4
LIVES IN

Found only on Black Coral - Cirripathes, taking on the colour and pattern of the coral to blend in.

04

Adult photos 4

05

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. genusPontonides
    7. speciesPontonides unciger Calman, 1939

    SourcesWoRMSSeaLifeBase

    06

    More in the family

    Shrimps (Palaemonidae)