Coral Snapping Shrimp

The Coral Snapping Shrimp, scientifically known as Alpheus lottini, is a remarkable tiny shrimp residing in close partnership with hard corals, particularly those of the Pocillopora genus. These shrimp inhabit the Indo-Pacific area, stretching from the 🌊 Red Sea to 🇯🇵 Japan and 🇦🇺 Australia, in tropical, shallow waters at depths ranging from 1 to 60 meters (3 to 197 feet).

This diminutive creature measures up to 2.7 centimeters (about an inch) in length. It has a translucent body adorned with reddish-brown markings, and is most notable for its large snapping claw on one of its modified front legs, known as chelipeds. This claw is capable of snapping shut with astonishing power, generating a loud popping noise, which is effective for stunning small prey and warding off predators.

Living symbiotically within the branches of corals, the Coral Snapping Shrimp benefits by accessing protection and food, such as algae and plankton found within the coral polyps. The shrimp, in return, plays a crucial role in maintaining the coral's health by cleaning debris and removing parasites.

An intriguing aspect of the Coral Snapping Shrimp is its interaction with a goby fish. The goby resides in a neighbor burrow and serves as a sentinel, warning the shrimp of impending danger with a flick of its tail, allowing the shrimp to retreat into safety.

These shrimp are vital to the coral reef ecosystem. Their snapping claw helps to regulate small prey populations, while their cleaning duties contribute to coral health. Noteworthy facts about these shrimps include their ability to snap their claws with a force exceeding 80 times their body weight, the substantial distance their snapping sound can travel underwater, and their hermaphroditic nature, enabling them to change sex. They have a lifespan of up to 10 years, making them enduring residents of their underwater habitats.

Next time you explore a coral reef, keep an eye out for these tiny but impactful creatures!