Shrimp are some of the ocean’s most prolific organisms, found in all reaches of the sea: from the tropics to the polar regions, shallow waters to the very deep. Most shrimp species are adept swimmers, rather than walkers like their decapod cousins crab and lobster. Besides being an important food source for larger marine animals, many species of shrimp play a vital role in the health of a wide range of fish by consuming dead flesh and parasites from the host fish’s scales and teeth. These beautiful specimens advertise their services with long antennae and vivid markings, beckoning new “clients” from their appointed stations. Of course, unusual coloration doesn’t always signify an invitation; a few in this gallery use it as more of a warning. Whether their patterns are used to help or harm, we can’t help but be enchanted by how visually stunning these little creatures are!
Marble Shrimp
via Elias Levy
Harlequin Shrimp
via Stephen Childs
Banded Boxer Shrimp
via one1kat
Peacock Mantis Shrimp
via ScubaGeek
Peppermint Shrimp
via aquarist.me
Clown Anemone Shrimp
via ScubaGeek
Pederson Shrimp
via stokes rx
Sexy (Squat) Shrimp
via prilfish
Scarlet Skunk Shrimp
via scot63us
Top image via prilfish
Harlequin
Love the Mantis Shrimp
Peacock mantis are not shrimp.
So in that case I chose Phyllognathia Ceratophthalma aka bongo shrimp :p
Indeed, the peacock mantis is a shrimp: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peacock_mantis_shrimp
I saw a whole bunch of these in the Philippines! They are all beautiful – but tiny! Need good macro and steady hand to photo! But the Mantis Shrimp moves too fast! I don’t know how “ScubaGeek” got that photo!
Peacock Mantis shrimp! They’re characters.