Cleaner
shrimp
Lysmata sp.*
Family Hippolytidae
updated
Jan 2020
Where
seen? This little striped shrimp is sometimes seen on some
of our shores. It is not as commonly seen as other shrimps. Sometimes
seen in small groups near coral rubble or large debris and other crevices.
Features: About 1-2cm long. The
body is transparent or white with many close-set thin dark lines along
the body. A sharp pointed 'nose' and the eyes are close together.
It doesn't have long pincers.
Cleaning service: Many members
of the genus Lysmata 'clean' other sea creatures such as fishes.
These 'clients' often patiently queue up at a 'cleaning station' manned
by the shrimp to enjoy the cleaning service. The fishes get rid of
dead skin and external parasites, while the shrimp gets a meal. |
Pulau Sekudu, Dec 03
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*Species are difficult
to positively identify without close examination.
On this website, they are grouped by external features for convenience of
display.
Cleaner
shrimps on Singapore shores |
Other sightings on Singapore shores |
Punggol, Jan 11
Photo shared by Loh Kok Sheng on flickr. |
East Coast (PCN), May 21
Photo shared by Vincent Choo on facebook. |
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References
- Lim, S.,
P. Ng, L. Tan, & W. Y. Chin, 1994. Rhythm of the Sea: The Life
and Times of Labrador Beach. Division of Biology, School of
Science, Nanyang Technological University & Department of Zoology,
the National University of Singapore. 160 pp.
- Debelius,
Helmut, 2001. Crustacea
Guide of the World: Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean
IKAN-Unterwasserachiv, Frankfurt. 321 pp.
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