---
title: Elegant Anemone Shrimp (Cuapetes elegans)
scientific_name: Cuapetes elegans
common_name: Elegant Anemone Shrimp
taxon: Shrimps
published: 2024-11-28T11:45:06.688Z
updated: 2026-08-08T16:02:26.341Z
tags: Elegant Anemone Shrimp, Cuapetes elegans, Shrimps, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/shrimps/elegant-anemone-shrimp
---

# Elegant Anemone Shrimp (*Cuapetes elegans*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Shrimps (*Caridea*)
- **Size:** 2 - 3 cm
- **Diet:** Omnivore
- **Activity:** Nocturnal

The Elegant Anemone Shrimp, scientifically known as *Cuapetes elegans*, is a captivating marine creature found in tropical and subtropical waters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region and the Red Sea. These small shrimp typically measure between 2 to 3 centimeters (approximately 0.8 to 1.2 inches) in length. They possess transparent bodies adorned with striking white and red patterns that serve as camouflage, allowing them to seamlessly blend into their coral reef habitats and evade predators.

These shrimp thrive in close association with coral reefs and sea anemones, forming symbiotic relationships that are mutually beneficial. By living among the stinging tentacles of anemones, they gain protection from threats. In return, they may help clean the host anemones, showcasing their role as part of a larger ecological framework.

As omnivores, Elegant Anemone Shrimp feed on small particles in the water, algae, and detritus, playing an essential role in maintaining the health of the reef ecosystem. Their nocturnal nature means they are most active at night, making them an exciting sight for divers who explore the underwater world after dark.

This species holds ecological importance as a cleaner shrimp and is also a favorite among underwater photographers and divers due to its vivid coloration and intriguing symbiotic behavior.

## Also known as

- **Japanese:** シオダマリカクレエビ

## Scientific synonyms

- *Anchistia elegans* Paulson, 1875
- *Kemponia elegans* (Paulson, 1875)
- *Periclimenes (Falciger) dubius* Borradaile, 1915
- *Periclimenes elegans* (Paulson, 1875)

## Range

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arafura Sea, Arnhem Coast to Gulf of Carpenteria, Banda Sea, Bismarck Sea, Bonaparte Coast, Central and Southern Great Barrier Reef, East China Sea, Exmouth to Broome, Fiji Islands, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, Halmahera, Hawaii, Lesser Sunda, Malacca Strait, Maldives, Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Northern and Central Red Sea, Palawan/North Borneo, Rapa-Pitcairn, Seychelles, Society Islands, South China Sea Oceanic Islands, South India and Sri Lanka, South Kuroshio, Southern China, Southern Red Sea, Sulawesi Sea/Makassar Strait, Tuamotus, West Caroline Islands, Western and Northern Madagascar

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/shrimps/elegant-anemone-shrimp)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*