Mediterranean shrimp (Lysmata seticaudata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Lysmata seticaudata
- Common name
- Mediterranean shrimp
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Lysmatidae
- Genus
- Lysmata
- Size
- 3–5 cm
- Depth
- 5–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef, cave
- Behaviours
- solitary, pair, cleaner
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Lysmata seticaudata reaches 5 cm. Cleaner shrimp (Lysmatidae) endemic Mediterranean cousin of Indo-Pacific Lysmata amboinensis (batch 12). Pink-orange to red body with fine longitudinal white bands on tail. Long white antennae. Simultaneous hermaphrodite. Lives in groups or pairs from 5 to 60 m in caves, overhangs and rocky crevices of Mediterranean. Fish cleaner at cleaning stations. Iconic macro photo subject of Med cave dives for vivid colors. Highly prized in aquarium trade. Moderate commercial fishery.
Photo of Mediterranean shrimp
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Mediterranean shrimp?
- Mediterranean shrimp (Lysmata seticaudata) reaches 3–5 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Mediterranean shrimp?
- Mediterranean shrimp is found between 5–60 m deep.
- Is the Mediterranean shrimp dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Mediterranean shrimp?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Mediterranean shrimp?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Lysmata
- Lysmata californica - California cleaner shrimp
- Lysmata amboinensis - Pacific cleaner shrimp
- Lysmata debelius - Fire Shrimp
- Lysmata wurdemanni - Red Cleaner Shrimp
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 107528)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2226398)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia