Feature Article
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Decapod Shrimps - A Primer for Divers
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| Read more about the beautiful
hingebeak shrimps, as well as other shrimps in the order decapoda that are likely to be
encountered by divers in this feature article. Photo by Janine Cairns-Michael |
The crustacean order Decapoda is comprised of the crabs, shrimps and lobsters. There are about
8,500 species in the order, most of which live in marine environments. The decapods have
maxillipeds (these are the first three thoracic appendages) and five pairs of legs. In the
shrimps, there are pincers on the first two or three pair of legs. The gills of the decapods
are located within branchial chambers under the fused head and thoracic carapace. The shrimps
and lobsters have long abdomens, while crabs have a small abdomen that is folded under the
rest of the body. The decapod shrimps should not be confused with other crustaceans that are
called shrimps (e.g., mantis shrimps, mysid shrimps). These shrimps are not members of the order
Decapoda.
In this CoralRealm feature article we will take
a look at the decapod shrimps most often encountered by divers.
The following is a list of decapods examined in this extensive feature article.
Decapod Shrimp Primer
Alpheidae (Snapping Shrimps)
Gnathophyllidae (Bumblebee Shrimps)
Hippolytidae (Cleaner Shrimps)
Hymenoceridae (Harlequin Shrimps)
Palaemonidae (Commensal Shrimps)
Rhynchocinetidae (Hingebeak Shrimp)
Stenopodidae (Boxer Shrimps)
| Decapod Profiles |
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
| Coleman's Shrimp | Periclimenes colemani |
| Purplespotted Commensal Shrimp | Periclimenes holthuisi |
| Emperor Shrimp | Periclimenes imperator |
| Plate Coral Shrimp | Periclimenes kororensis |
| Bubble Coral Shrimp | Vir philippinensis |
| Yellowlined Pistol Shrimp | Alpheus ochrostriatus |
| Banded Coral Shrimp | Stenopus hispidus |
| Skunk Cleaner Shrimp | Lysmata amboinensis |
| Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp | Lysmata debelius |
| Marbled Shrimp | Saron marmoratus |
| Ambonian or Sexy Shrimp | Thor amboinensis |
| Harlequin Shrimp | Hymenocera picta |
| Hiatt's Hingebeak Shrimp | Cinetorhynchus hiatti |
| Magnificent Cleaner Shrimp | Periclimenes magnificus |
| Orangespotted Cleaner Shrimp | Periclimenes cf. venustus |
| Venustus Cleaner Shrimp | Periclimenes venustus |
| Purple Cleaner Shrimp | Periclimenes tosaensis |
| Whitepatched Anemone Shrimp | Periclimenes brevicarpalis |
| Urchin Shrimp | Allopontonia iaini |
| Miner's Urchin Shrimp | Gnathophylloides mineri |
| Elephant Ear Shrimp | Pliopontonia furtiva |
| Eggshell Shrimp | Hamopontonia corallicola |
| Spotted Sawblade | Shrimp Tozeuma sp. 2 |
| Longnosed Sawblade Shrimp | Tozeuma sp.1 |
| Xenia Shrimp | Hippolyte commensalis |
| Fountain Boxer Shrimp | Stenopuas pyrosonotus |
| Sea Star Shrimp | Periclimenes soror |
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Invertebrates