Coral Snapping Shrimp

The Coral Snapping Shrimp (Alpheus lottini) is a fascinating little creature that lives in a symbiotic relationship with hard corals, primarily of the genus Pocillopora. They're typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the 🌊 Red Sea to 🇯🇵 Japan and 🇦🇺 Australia.

These shrimp are tiny, measuring only about an inch or two in length. They have a translucent body with reddish-brown markings and a large snapping claw on one of their chelipeds (modified front legs). This claw is their namesake, as it can snap shut with incredible force, producing a loud popping sound that can stun small prey and even deter predators.

The Coral Snapping Shrimp lives inside the coral's branches, where it finds both food and shelter. The coral provides the shrimp with a safe haven from predators and a constant supply of food in the form of algae and plankton that live among its polyps. In return, the shrimp helps to keep the coral clean by removing debris and parasites.

One of the most interesting things about the Coral Snapping Shrimp is its relationship with a goby fish. The goby lives in a burrow next to the shrimp's coral home and acts as a lookout for predators. If the goby spots danger, it warns the shrimp with a flick of its tail, and the shrimp can then retreat into the safety of the coral.

The Coral Snapping Shrimp is a vital part of the coral reef ecosystem. Its snapping claw helps to control the populations of small prey, and its cleaning activities help to keep the coral healthy. So, next time you're diving on a coral reef, keep an eye out for these tiny but important creatures!

Here are some additional facts about the Coral Snapping Shrimp:

• They can snap their claws with a force of over 80 times their own body weight!
• The sound produced by their snap can travel underwater for several meters.
• They are hermaphrodites, meaning they can change sex from male to female or vice versa.
• They can live for up to 10 years.