White-Spotted Ascidian Shrimp

The White-Spotted Ascidian Shrimp (Dactylonia ascidicola) is a small, unique shrimp known for its translucent body adorned with white spots. This intriguing crustacean makes its home on sea squirts, specifically those of the species Herdmania momus, forming a commensal relationship where it lives alongside these sea creatures without harming them.

Measuring up to 1 centimeter (0.39 inches) in length, the White-Spotted Ascidian Shrimp inhabits both shallow and deep waters, with a distribution range extending from just 1 meter to as deep as 400 meters. It is typically found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region.

Belonging to the order Decapoda, these shrimps are primarily gonochoric, meaning individuals are distinctly male or female. Their mating behavior often involves precopulatory courtship rituals that rely on both smell and touch, followed by an indirect transfer of sperm.

Interestingly, a closely related yet potentially undescribed species shares similar physical characteristics but is distinguished by having yellow spots instead of white.