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Size
2.5 inches (6.4 cm) -
Diet
Crustaceans, worms, and parasites on fish -
Range
Indo-Pacific, particularly in Hawaii -
Habitat
Rocky crevices and holes
Physical Characteristics
- The body is long and thin with straw-like limbs and antennae.
- Its coloration is orange and the dorsal surface is red with a central white stripe. Its limbs are yellow to orange.
- Common length of 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).
Animal Fact
Hawaiian cleaner shrimp are often found around eels.
Diet / Feeding
- Diet consists of crustaceans, worms, and dead skin and parasites on fish.
- Feeds by scavenging or cleaning parasites off fish, often at cleaning stations, using its front two legs.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in Hawaii.
- Found in crevices and holes at depths between 3 feet and 131 feet (1-40 m).
Reproduction & Growth
- Oviparous, or egg-laying species.
- Starts life as a male and changes into a female as it ages.
Conservation Status
- “Not Evaluated” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- Also known as “scarlet cleaner shrimp,” “Pacific cleaner shrimp” and “white stripe cleaner shrimp.”
- Often found around eels.
Source
- Hawaii’s Sea Creatures: A Guide to Hawaii’s Marine Invertebrates. Hoover, John P. Pg. 234
- Invertebrates: A Quick Reference Guide. Sprung, Julian. Pg. 165
- waza.org
