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Family: Alpheidae
Common Anemone Snapping Shrimp
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Bocas Species Database Habitat: Those shrimp species are usually found in Caribbean sea anemone Bartholomea annulata, which serves as shelter for juveniles. The anemone is fairly useful because it can protect the shrimp against predators. A cluster of anemones can usually contain a male-female pair, but the adult shrimp will be very territorial with its host anemone. Alpheus armatus will favor shallow protected areas such as backreef lagoons. Distribution: This species has been reported from the Caribbean Sea, from Mexico (Yucatan) to Panama and Trinidad, and to the north of Florida and the Bahamas. Natural History Notes: In 1980, detailed ecological and behavioral studies conducted by Dr. Nancy Knowlton showed the existence of several “morphs” of the species Alpheus armatus. Due to the fact that they reproduce in a strictly assortative way, those “morphs” had to be considered as different species from A. armatus. Three of those species have already been named as A. immaculatus Knowlton and Keller, 1983, A. roquensis Knowlton and Keller, 1985 and A. polystictus Knowlton and Keller 1985. There would potentially be a fourth species, A. aff. armatus, not yet described, but observed by Dr. Arthur Anker in Brazil. Depth: Intertidal and subtidal from 1 to 10 m. Presente en la zona intermareal y submareal, entre 1 y 10 m. Characteristics: Its body length can reach up to 36 mm. Alpheus armatus and the different “morphs” look quite similar. However, there are some color features that are exclusive to A. armatus. Compared to A. immaculatus, A. armatus possesses sparkling green spots on the antennular peduncles, and aligned along the inner surfaces of the first chelipeds and down the dorsal midline of the carapace and abdomen. |