Size: Length: 2-5cm (1-2")

Recognition Characters: Rostrum reaching distal end of 2nd article of antennular peduncle, slightly decurved, armed dorsally with 4 or 5 teeth and ventrally with 3 to 5 teeth. Carapace smooth; carinate dorsally on anterior half with spine near base of rostrum. Eyes well developed. Epipods on first 4 pairs of legs. First legs moderately stout, about equal, reaching to end of antennal scale. Telson tapering to tip with minute median projection flanked by 2 long, slender spine, short spine outside these on each side; armed dorsally with 2 pairs of prominent spines at 1/3 and 2/3 length. Uropodal exopods with outer margin ending in 2 distinct teeth.

Color: Body is translucent white with beautiful longitudinal and transverse red lines

Habitat & Depth: Reefs up to 30m.

Distribution at GRNMS: Common when found. Commensal with sponges and tunicates at GRNMS

Geographic Range: North to New Jersey and south to Brazil, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico

Behavior & Notes: Shrimp is known as a cleaner shrimp. When approached by a spiny boxfish or filefish, shrimp begins rhythmically rocking to and fro; ascending vertically in a peculiar walking motion and mounts its host to begin picking off parasites. Shrimp will attempt to clean fingers of people, pickin at cuts or loose skin.

Synonyms:

References: Humann 1992a, Ruppert and Fox 1988, Williams 1984