The vital Coral reef cleaning squad

Photograph by local underwater photographer and
naturalist, Jeff Zolondek.

Tuesday, May  3, 2005

Coral banded shrimps are often found in pairs in the wild, and the females are usually larger than the males. They are known as ‘Cleaner Shrimps’ because they rid coral and their fishy neighbours of parasites and debris. They are vital to coral reef ecosystems.

These shrimps often live in underwater caves and crevices, where it hangs upside down, rather like a bat, often with only it’s antennae showing. While molting, it will often hide from sight for two days.

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