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FAQs about Marine Shrimp Identification
Related FAQs: Marine
Shrimps 1, Shrimp Selection, Shrimp
Behavior, Shrimp Compatibility, Shrimp
Systems, Shrimp Feeding, Shrimp
Reproduction, Shrimp Disease, Cleaner
Shrimp, Banded
Coral Shrimp, Dancing Shrimp, Harlequin
Shrimp, Pistol Shrimp, Saron
Shrimp, Mantis
Shrimp, Anemone
Eating Shrimp, and More
FAQs on Marine Shrimp,
Crustacean Identification, Crustacean
Selection, Crustacean Behavior,
Crustacean Compatibility,
Crustacean Systems,
Crustacean Feeding,
Crustacean Disease,
Crustacean Reproduction,
Related Articles: Shrimp, A Few Common
Shrimps for the Marine Aquarium by James W. Fatherree,
I believe in miracles.... where you from? You sexy shrimp!
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Shrimp ID help please
– 06/29/08
Hello WWM crew. Attached is a picture of a shrimp that I would like
some help verifying its ID, please. This shrimp was found by a friend of
mine while diving in Panama City, FL (northern Gulf of Mexico). She
found it when she picked up a long spine sea urchin to show to a student
(she is a dive instructor). She came to me and to a biology teacher for
help in identification.
The biology teacher thought it to possibly be in the Periclimenes family
or possibly the Gnathophyllum family.
<The latter... though at first I too thought it was a Palaemonid...
faulty memory... more so all the time>
I did a lot of Google work and also searched your site but found little
info.
Based on a few difficult to see photos, I believe it is Gnathophyllum
elegans. This seems supported (at least down to the Gnathophyllum
family) by the fact that it was found on the bottom of an urchin, and
Julian Sprung's book "Invertebrates: A Quick Reference Guide" reports
that Gnathophyllum may feed on the feet of urchins and sea stars.
<Mmm, nah! Must>
The best photos I could find with the full scientific name came from not
what I would consider highly reliable sources and most of them were not
written in English, but they were the closest matches I could find and
did indicate the scientific name of Gnathophyllum elegans.
Any help you could give towards a definite ID would be greatly
appreciated. Also, what are your opinions as to their aquarium
suitability (given that it would almost certainly require a species only
biotype). I realize their natural diet would be difficult to replicate
and not desirable to replicate in my opinion. Mr. Sprung recommends
feeding finely chopped meaty foods and even flake foods;
<No... like most of its family, this animal feeds on the tube feet of
certain echinoderms found in its range. An interesting remark... it is
recorded as a facultative cleaner, removing parasites from fishes, when
young>
however, I think he is somewhat overly optimistic on some animals'
aquarium suitability.
Thanks for all your help (past, present and future!).
Sincerely,
Rob Watson
<Am almost sure this is Gnathophyllum panamense... found from the lower
Sea of Cortez in Mexico's Baja to Ecuador... Bob Fenner> |
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Shrimp
identification 4/13/08
Hey crew,
I was wondering if you could help me to identify this shrimp:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/billbyrne/2398803722/in/set-72157601603056666/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/billbyrne/2398804516/in/set-72157601603056666/
Cheers,
Bill
<I was unable to find a quick ID in my in-print ref.s, or the Net under
Rhynchocinetids of the Philippines... but do agree that this appears to
be a hinge-backed shrimp. It may be an unidentified species. You might
look for and send your images to taxonomic experts of the group. Cheers,
Bob Fenner> |
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SW Aquarium
ID if possible 3/20/08
Hi WWM Crew!
Recently I've housed all my fish in QT due to Ich and Brooklynellosis
outbreaks. But my question has to do with thousands of tiny things,
almost unseen to the naked eye, in my main tank. At first we though they
were part of the Ich parasite's life cycle, but upon closer inspection
they appear to be baby fish.
<Mmm, nope>
One of my yellowtail blue damsels has had a bulging belly lately but we
never saw her lay any eggs and she's quite small (not even an inch in
length). I've tried searching the web but no luck. So I've attached a
photo...are these guys baby damsels or something else?
Thanks for your time!
Tracy
<Something else... larval... shrimp! Neat-o! BobF> |
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Shrimp ID: Possibly
Tozeuma – 3/7/08
Dear Sirs:
<Heeee! In this case, Madam, but please call me Lynn instead!>
Please check on the photograph I have in my multiply:
http://pinneng.multiply.com/photos/album/15/Manado-Bunaken-Lembeh_Part_1#10
<Nice photo of a neat little shrimp! It took me a minute to realize that
it wasn’t so much hair-like as it was transparent mid body, with white
along the top/dorsal and underneath/ventral areas. Many commensal
shrimps are like this, as far as being close to transparent and rather
difficult to see. This sort of cryptic patterning/coloration breaks up
the appearance of the body shape, making it more difficult for potential
predators to recognize, or perceive them, as prey.>
I took this in Bunaken, North Sulawesi.
<Beautiful area!>
It was as thin as a hair. With the length of about 1cm. Can you please
identify the shrimp?
<I believe it’s a shrimp in the family Hippolytidae, genus Tozeuma,
similar to this:
http://www.poppe-images.com/images/image_info.php?picid=946703
http://www.poppe-images.com/images/image_info.php?picid=946704 >
Thanks!
<You’re very welcome, and thank you for sharing such a nice photo! Take
care, -Lynn>
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Unidentified
Shrimp... Perhaps a Ghost Shrimp 9/11/07
This is Paul again.
<Hola Paul, Mich aqui>
I just wanted to send you a picture of one of the shrimp in my tank. I
have another just like it. I am currently living in Brazil (Curitiba)
and this was a shrimp offered at the aquarium store (www.aquabetta.com.br)
I thought you guys might like to look at it.
<Always nice.>
Maybe you haven't seen one like it before. If you have, can you tell me
what its name is?
<I could be wrong, but it looks like a pretty glass or ghost shrimp to
me. Ghost shrimp are often used as feeders
More here:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.fishlore.com/Pictures/Profiles/ghost_shrimp_2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.fishlore.com/profile-ghostshrimp.htm&h=150&w=250&sz=6&hl=en&start=16&um=1&tbnid=mn4UJo7N5z_
kqM:&tbnh=67&tbnw=111&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dglass%2Bshrimp%
26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26sa%3DG
>
Thanks a lot.
<De nada! Mich>
Re: Unidentified Shrimp... A Ghost
Shrimp 9/12/07
Buenos Dias Paul, Mich here again.>
I thought ghost shrimp were freshwater.
<Can be fresh... can also be salt... I have collected myself from
saltwater in the Belmar NJ inlet.>
They have been living in my saltwater tank for 7 months now.
<Yes, there are several species. Many can tolerate great ranges in
salinity. RMF is in agreement with this ID.>
Thank again.
<Welcome!>
Paul |
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Shrimp?, Yes is a shrimp, type ?
3/14/07
Any idea what this guy is? Good? Bad?
<Hmm, really a guess at best, almost looks edible, like a king prawn,
but I don't know much about their behavior. Perhaps a type of Saron
shrimp, maybe a male, but he's not as bristly as I would expect, but
Sarons are predacious and would explain the missing tank mates. RMF your
thoughts?> <<Does look like a female Saron sp. of some sort... have
Debelius' work out on Crustaceans... looks most closely like S.
rectirostris to me. RMF>>
Thanks!
<Welcome! Mich>
<p.s. Check today's FAQ's as RMF may comment there.>
Jess
Note: forwarded message attached.
Hi Penny,
Jess again. So in storming my tank I uncovered a strange looking thing,
a shrimp of some sort maybe? I don’t know. I looked up on the net mantis
shrimp ( maybe the culprit for my deaths ) but he doesn’t look like one?
<Not a mantis shrimp.>
Mantis all look to be beautifully colored and the eyes are what are also
noticeable. This thing is dull colored and has 2 appendages like things
that flank either side of him from his mouth that go back. I have picked
him up and handled him and he’s not nasty like I heard mantis are. Any
idea what the lil bugger is? Good? Bad? If you need other pics let me
know and I'll do my best.
Thanks
Jess |
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Re: Shrimp?, Yes is a shrimp, type Saron ? rectirostris 3/14/07
So after receiving your reply as what you thought it may be I looked them up
on the net but the ones I have found don't look like this guy I have in my tank.
<Hmm, did you see Bob's comment on the daily FAQ's? >And I do generally send
these to the original querier/s. RMF<
<<Does look like a female Saron sp. of some sort... have Debelius' work out on
Crustaceans... looks most closely like S. rectirostris to me. RMF>>
Some good picture of Saron rectirostris can be seen here:
http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic61881-11-1.aspx >
His legs are a purplish/blue the underside of his body is a reddish color and
the topside is a cream with some brownish spots. He's not to brightly colored.
He also has two things that he holds along side of him but they seem to act as a
sort of antenna for him. They are also a bit bristly as well as the front 2 (
feet? ) I have watched him closely to monitor his behavior....he does not seem
to bother any of the other tank mates at all. He just crawls around the bottom
sifting through the top layer of sand. I have not seen him eat anything outside
of whatever invisible things he finds in the sand....but he does not touch the
Mysis or brine shrimp or anything else that is being fed.
So whatever he is he does not seem to be causing any harm. He is about an inch
and a half long he’s actually pretty big ( or so I think ).
Maybe this will help more in identifying him. I will also get some more
pictures of him and send them along. He's very easy to handle. He lets me scoop
him out of the sand and will stay perched in my hand.
Thanks again
<Welcome! Check out the link and see what you think. Hope that helps. Mich>
Jess
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Critter ID: Shrimp 3/1/07
Hello,
<Hi there, Mich here.>
I have been an avid reader of your website for nearly 2 years now but
have never emailed before as I have always found the answers I needed.
<Very good to hear!>
Today however I noticed a little critter sitting in my mushrooms! It
definitely has legs which you cannot see in the photo.
<Looks like a shrimp to me. I believe it is an Anemone Shrimp
(Periclimenes spp.) though the banding pattern also reminds me of a
pistol shrimp (Alpheus spp.) though these prefer the sand bed.>
It is about half an inch long and it looks like its eyes are on white
stalks (don't quote me on that though!) I have attached a pic so if any
of you wonderful people can identify what it is and whether it is safe
or should I get rid of it?
<It should be reef safe.>
Sorry if the picture is not good enough but my camera wouldn't focus any
closer. Many thanks in advance and keep up the superb work you all do.
<We'll try! -Mich> <<Outstanding. RMF>> |
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Snails Preying on Baby Shrimp? ...Unlikely - 02/09/2007
Hello all,
<Hi there Arman! Mich here.>
I recently moved some Chaetomorpha from my main tank into my refugium
(hang-on-back type). Much to my surprise, it contained many microscopic cleaner
shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) larvae.
<Mmm, more likely you are seeing tiny Mysis shrimp.>
I've been feeding the larvae marine snow, phytoplankton, and a few Spirulina
flakes.
<Mmm, careful not to overfeed, these can be very polluting, and not essential
for these shrimp.>
Last night I placed some Nassarius snails into the refugium and in the morning,
the amount of shrimp has been greatly reduced.
<Likely unrelated.>
I know this species, like many snails, are scavengers, but wouldn't the shrimp
be able to swim away from them?
<Yes.>
Is it possible they've eating my babies?!
<Unlikely.>
Great website by the way, keep up the great work.
<Thanks, will try.>
regards,
<And to you. -Mich>
Arman
Some Sort of Shrimp ID?
Hey guys, I have a 30 gallon tank with about 20lbs LR and 18 lbs Lava base rock.
<<Eee.. lava? Must mention its relative propensity to leach minerals.>>
I was doing my routine check and saw what look like tiny shrimp. These are about 1 cm long apiece and are about 30-40 of them free swimming in my tank.
<<Ok.>>
I have had these before.
<<Did it itch?>>
They appear for only one day and then disappear. I have a skunk cleaner shrimp but have never seen it brood eggs, and these shrimp are there every two to three weeks for one night. They have what looks like an embryo sack that they get there food off until they grow larger.
<<Interesting. If you see a yolk sac (what's the white of an egg called?) then I would indeed surmise that you're likely looking at babies. Who is spawning them, I couldn't tell you, but they're not a bad thing.>>
Other than that they are tiny and clear to white with black eyes. Can you help me ID these?
Thanks-
Aaron
<<No, I'm afraid I can't. Photo evidence might be helpful, but if we *are* talking embryonic shrimps, that alone may not be enough. Marina>>
What kind of shrimp?
I recently discovered that I have lots and lots of what seem to be clear
looking shrimp (I think) approx. 2-4mm in length in my tank. What are they and
should I get rid of them? I only happened to figure out I had them because I
found them (and kept finding them) in my worm trap. (I don't like bristle
worms). Thanks for your help.
***Mysis shrimp, and they are harmless. A common dweller in reef tanks. They
generally stay hidden during the day in a system with fish. In a system without
fish they are out at all hours.
Jim***
How can I identify my shrimp larvae?
Dear Sirs,
<< And Maam's, although "Hey Blundell" will work for today. >>
Can you help me find a good site to view Lysmata larvae pictures or images?
<< Nope, but I know who can. >>
Last night I had a large spawn of unidentified parents. I currently have 2
banded coral shrimps, 2 Lysmata debelius and 4 scarlet skunk shrimps in a 90
gal tank.
I must have over 200 infants with a size of 3mm to 4mm. Around 100 are
already in a separate tank.
My biggest concern is that the offspring might be mantis shrimp. I currently
have three in my aquarium. << That would be great, they are worth more money. >>
Thanks in advance.
<<
You need the Lysmata expert to help you here. Email Andy Rhyne at
arhyne@fit.edu and tell him Blundell gave you his email address. He is the king
of raising shrimp. >>
David Erard
Caracas, Venezuela
<< Blundell, jealous he isn't in Venezuela. >>
An Aussie shrimp by any other name is still... 7/6/04
(common names vs. scientific names)
G'day Anthony,
<cheers mate>
Mate I was just kicking back reading my MARINE ATLAS vol 1, when I came across
the picture of a BANDED BOXING SHRIMP, it looks exactly like the CORAL BANDED
SHRIMP, the atlas does not have a picture of the C.B.Shrimp. Are these two the
same species or what?
<yes... there are many common names for many animals (tens of common names for
some) given by regional people around the world. This is one reason why is it
best for us to learn the scientific names of our species to use - at least with
the common names if not instead of them. Thus, when someone says Stenopus
hispidus, you'll know exactly which shrimp they are talking about :)>
Thanks Mate Chris (Oz) P.S. YOUR X.X.X.X. IS GETTING WARM (OZ BEER)
<after the rough month I just had/am having, my friend... nothing would suit me
finer then zipping off to Australia and sipping (occasionally gulping) tasty
beer with new friends. Thanks kindly for the offer/reminder. Kindly, Anthony>
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Those Sexy Little Shrimp!
A friend of mine got 2 of these shrimp at his LFS under the dubious name "Sexy Shrimp". They walk up and down the tentacles of the anemone in the picture. Can't find them on your website or in CMA book. What are they? Good, bad, depends?
Thanks! :-)Tracy Creek
<Well, Tracy, it looks to me like you're the owner of some sexy Thor
amboinensis. They are perfectly harmless, and stay pretty small, too! They are almost always found in association with anemones, and can eat a variety of small foods, such as
Mysis and other finely chopped
seafoods. Pretty cool little shrimp, IMO! Hope this helps! Regards, Scott > |
Lysmata sp?
Hello Bob;
I have a quick question I hope can help with. I have recently begun raising
a species of shrimp I am tentatively labeling as Lysmata kukenthali, as my
resources are a bit limiting. I was curious if you could recommend an expert
in the family Hippolytidae to better identify the species.
Cheers,
Matt Wittenrich
<Mmm, the only person off the top of my head to ask in turn is Helmut
Debelius. Send your query and pix along and I'll cc him re... and if he is
unable to assist we'll try elsewhere. Bob Fenner>
Peppermint Shrimp by any other names 4/4/04
Hey there staff!!! You're the best, I appreciate all of your
advice in the past and the advice that's to come in the future.
<were looking forward to in in kind>
We all know that there is always some confusion with the true peppermint
shrimp......whether it be from the suppliers not ID'ing the specimens
properly.....or the LFS's purchasing what they THINK are peppermint shrimp...
and so on and so forth. I know there are mainly two species of shrimp which get
tied up in a knot
with each other, one being the true peppermint.....and the other being the
false.
<OK... I believe this to be true for your part of the world (varies elsewhere
by region/merchant)>
My question is this... I have both species, Lysmata wurdemanni and L. rathbunae>
may I ask which is the "true" peppermint....as they are way too
comfortably interchanged!!!!!
<L. wurdemanni is the true Peppermint shrimp, essentially>
and would it be the true of the false peppermints...........that bother worms
and the likes??? Or am I wrong, as in both may do harm depending on
the individual specimen???
<the entire genus Lysmata is categorically risky in reef aquaria and all have
been known to nip corals and other desirable reef inverts at times>
I appreciate your time.........thank you again.
<best regards, Anthony>
What's in a name? A lot :) 2/14/04
Hi I was just researching the scarlet lady shrimp and I was
wondering if you could tell me if the scarlet lady also has the same habits as
the white strip cleaner shrimp, (such as cleaning a fish). I gave also been
wondering if you could keep several scarlet
lady shrimp in the same tank with several white spotted cleaner shrimp. The tank
size is a 120 gal deep. and I am going to have coral so I would like to know if
the scarlet lady would be alright with coral. Thanks a million Jonathan!!!!!!!
<I really am not sure what species of shrimp you are referring to my friend.
I'm guessing you mean Lysmata debelius. Common names vary in different regions
of the country and world... its important to use scientific names whenever
possible. In this case, there are several different genera known as
"cleaner shrimp" although your use of the word "scarlet"
tells me these are probably Lysmata species. Use the above name I have given you
to do a keyword search on our website and others to gather information. best
regards, Anthony>
Mystery Critter--Are These Bad Ones? (12/21/03)
hi i am 14 and have my own marine aquarium but i have one problem, i have
tiny little prawn like creatures in it, I believe that they are manta shrimp
there is about 30 of them around 1cm long they are frustrating
me and don't no if they are good or bad for my aquarium, and if they will nip
the fins of my fish and kill them (that's what I have heard). I want
to get rid of them any suggestions, can u please help ?????????????
<Welcome to the marine aquarist community. I wish I had one when I was your
age 30 years ago. A couple of questions about your tank: How big? How
long has it been set up? Does it have live rock? From where? What else have you
put in? With the little information I have to go one, I doubt that what you have
are Mantis Shrimp. Getting one or two in a tank happens sometimes, but not
thirty. By the size, I'd guess they are large copepods. These are not bad things
to have and are not dangerous. Many fish love to eat them. Search WWM and
elsewhere for descriptions & photos. Steve Allen>
please reply ASAP, thank you <You're welcome; hope this helps!>
Mystery Critter--Are These Bad Ones? Ian's go. (12/21/03)
hi i am 14 and have my own marine aquarium but i have one problem, i have
tiny little prawn like creatures in it, I believe that they are manta shrimp
there is about 30 of them around 1cm long <Do you have any pictures?. I have
never heard of Live rock containing more than 30 mantis shrimp...I am not saying
it can't happen. but we should both know what kind of creatures these are. send
me pics if at all possible> they are frustrating me and don't no
if they are good or bad for my aquarium, and if they will nip the fins of my
fish and kill them (that's what I have heard).<If they are truly mantis
shrimp...and they are only around 1cm in length...they are not capable of doing
any harm to any of your fish. when they get bigger its a different story though
:) > I want to get rid of them any suggestions, can u please help
?????????????<good luck, IanB>
please reply ASAP
thank you
Xeniid shrimp id
AntBuboine, can you id this Palaemonid for me? You had said someone
sent you a pic recently...
Boub |
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Hippolyte commensalis (Xeniid shrimp)
Holy cow, Bob! How did you see this little bugger?!?!?
<Found by the dive guide... I would gladly 'fess up otherwise 'twere it
so>
You are the man... seriously: Hippolyte commensalis
<We're da fishmen!>
a gorgeous critter on a gorgeous coral <G>.
I should not be surprised to admit it... and it took
me long enough (thanks mostly to your tireless
efforts)... but, I'm a dreaming and a hankerin to do
some serious (but safe <G>) reef diving.
<Omigosh!>
Still got tons to work out at home... as you know, my
grandparents were/are everything to me. These years
are precious. We took my gram to the docs today too
for more tests... there are some sobering concerns re:
leukemia now. Will be taking her for second tests next
week :( And then to Cape May, NJ for a quaint retreat
for a few days thee following week (Di knows/likes
Cape May Point?... 'tis my speed :)
<Okay>
At any rate... the dive vacation that I promised
myself after we finished NMARI... I will take after
NMA RF <VBG>. Time and funds allowing :) Maybe Fiji.
<Let me know when, and let's go>
I thank you sincerely for your inspiration in so many
ways to me, my friend.
Antoine
<The feeling's mutual compadre. Bob F> |
Shrimp ID - 8/31/03
Can you Identify this type of shrimp please. He looks like a banded but with
out the bands. Comes from Florida waters this I know. He was a live rock hitch
hiker.
<looks like Brachycarpus biunguiculatus - the Two Claw Shrimp. Anthony>
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