Brock's Urchin Shrimp

Allopontonia brockii

Brock's Urchin Shrimp is a diminutive shrimp species associated with sea urchins, particularly the fire sea urchin. It belongs to the family Palaemonidae and can be identified by its smooth chelipeds and body colors, which range from light yellow to orange-red. A distinctive whitish stripe runs along its body, sometimes bordered by a darker line. This shrimp typically grows to a length of about 1 centimeter. The species is found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. It inhabits tropical benthic zones, where it lives in close association with sea urchins. This relationship allows the shrimp to benefit from the urchin's movement to access food. Divers may spot Brock's Urchin Shrimp while it is residing on its sea urchin host, utilizing the protection and feeding opportunities the urchin offers. The IUCN has not evaluated its conservation status, and there are no known threats to humans from this species.