Durban dancer shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Rhynchocinetes durbanensis
- Common name
- Durban dancer shrimp
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Rhynchocinetidae
- Genus
- Rhynchocinetes
- Size
- 3–5 cm
- Depth
- 5–40 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, cave
- Behaviours
- schooling, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Rhynchocinetes durbanensis reaches 5 cm. Characteristic shrimp with red and red-brown body with white lines and spots, articulated rostrum (vertically mobile, unique in Rhynchocinetidae, hence dancing shrimp). Distinctive green eyes. Lives in dense schools from 5 to 40 m in caves, overhangs and crevasses of coral reefs of entire Indo-Pacific (notably Red Sea, East Africa). Listed LC. Nocturnal, gathers in massive clusters during day in darkness. Spectacular macro photo subject in aggregations.
Photo of Durban dancer shrimp
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Durban dancer shrimp?
- Durban dancer shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis) reaches 3–5 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Durban dancer shrimp?
- Durban dancer shrimp is found between 5–40 m deep.
- Is the Durban dancer shrimp dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Durban dancer shrimp?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Durban dancer shrimp?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Similar species
- Palinurus elephas - European spiny lobster
- Clibanarius erythropus - Red-legged hermit crab
- Homarus gammarus - European lobster
- Pachygrapsus marmoratus - Marbled rock crab
- Mithraculus forceps - Red-ridged clinging crab
- Mithrax spinosissimus - Channel clinging crab
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 212926)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2222520)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia