Djeddah Snapping Shrimp

The Djeddah Snapping Shrimp, scientifically known as Alpheus djeddensis, is a fascinating creature found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. It typically inhabits shallow reef environments, preferring depths of 1 to 5 meters (about 3 to 16 feet). This shrimp reaches a size of around 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) and displays a pale coloration with green-brown patterns.

Belonging to the order Decapoda and family Alpheidae, the Djeddah Snapping Shrimp is one among more than 250 species in the genus Alpheus, making it quite diverse. One of its distinctive features is its asymmetrical claws, with one claw significantly enlarged to create a loud snapping or popping noise.

This shrimp species is known for its intriguing symbiotic relationship with goby fish, particularly those from the genus Amblyeleotris. The shrimp digs extensive burrows that serve as shared homes for both itself and the goby. Despite being nearly blind, the shrimp relies on the goby to alert it to approaching predators, showcasing a unique partnership in the underwater world.

Reproduction in the Djeddah Snapping Shrimp involves a courtship ritual that includes both olfactory and tactile cues, leading to indirect sperm transfer, typical of gonochoric species—organisms that have distinct male and female individuals.