Hairy Shrimp

The hairy shrimp, scientifically known as Phycocaris simulans, is a fascinating marine creature often referred to as the algae shrimp due to its uncanny resemblance to a tiny piece of algae. This resemblance is enhanced by the hair-like filaments that cover their bodies, giving them a "hairy" appearance. These shrimp can be found in a variety of colors, including red, brown, yellow, and green, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings through camouflage.

Hairy shrimp are extremely small, measuring about 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) in length. One of their most distinctive features is their tail, which they carry almost upright. They are typically found among drifting algae, on rocks, and amid coral rubble. These shrimp tend to remain in the same area unless dislodged by currents, in which case they will drift until they find a suitable new home.

Despite their ability to swim, hairy shrimp more commonly use water currents to move around. Instead of actively swimming, they often move their bodies side to side with the flow of water. Their small size limits their diet to tiny food particles such as the algae they live on, along with other detritus matter suspended in the water.

Due to their diminutive size, hairy shrimp often fall prey to various marine animals, including larger crustaceans, cephalopods, and almost any fish larger than themselves. Although they are not predators, they are an important part of the oceanic food chain.

Female hairy shrimp are prolific egg producers. If you look closely, or capture a detailed macro image, you may see their white, translucent eggs attached beneath the female's tail. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae drift with the current. After developing into juveniles, they settle on the ocean floor, seeking out algae to inhabit.