Stenopus hispidus is a shrimp-like decapod crustacean belonging to the infraorder Stenopodidea. Common names include coral banded shrimp and banded cleaner shrimp.[2]
Stenopus hispidus has a pan-tropical distribution,[3] extending into some temperate areas. It is found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Canada to Brazil,[4] including the Gulf of Mexico.[3] In Australia, it is found as far south as Sydney and it also occurs around New Zealand.[2]
Stenopus hispidus reaches a total length of 60 millimetres (2.4 in),[2] and has striking colouration. The ground colour is transparent,[5] but the carapace, abdomen and the large third pereiopod are all banded red and white.[2] The antennae and other pereiopods are white.[2] The abdomen, carapace and third pereiopods are covered in spines.[5]
Stenopus hispidus has the ability to detect individuals of its species. This trait is uncommon in invertebrates and is most likely explained through chemical signals.[6]
Stenopus hispidus lives below the intertidal zone, at depth of up to 210 metres (690 ft),[2] on coral reefs.[5] It is a cleaner shrimp, and advertises to passing fish by slowly waving its long, white antennae.[5][7] S. hispidus uses its three pairs of claws to remove parasites, fungi and damaged tissue from the fish.[7] Stenopus hispidus is monogamous.[8] S. hispidus females are typically larger than the males.[9] Occupy a territory that is 1–2 meters in diameter.[10]
Top view of S. hispidus (Chuuk, Micronesia)
Front view of S. hispidus
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Another S. hispidus
Stenopus hispidus is a shrimp-like decapod crustacean belonging to the infraorder Stenopodidea. Common names include coral banded shrimp and banded cleaner shrimp.
