Richardson's Snapping Shrimp

Alpheus richardsoni

Richardson's snapping shrimp is a small crustacean found in the South Pacific, including regions like Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and various Pacific Islands. It is easily identifiable by its dark green-brown body adorned with numerous small red spots and its distinctive large claw, which is used to produce a loud snapping sound. This sound serves a functional purpose in incapacitating prey, which includes organic detritus and small invertebrates. The shrimp can grow up to 6 centimeters in length, with one claw noticeably larger than the other, a characteristic feature of the Alpheidae family. Divers are likely to encounter Richardson's snapping shrimp in reef and seaweed habitats, typically at depths of up to 25 meters. The shrimp is known for its symbiotic relationship with gobies, particularly the species Drombus ocyurus. In this mutualistic partnership, the shrimp and goby share a burrow, with the goby acting as a lookout for predators while the shrimp maintains the burrow. Divers might observe the shrimp's behavior of using its claw to hunt, adding an interesting dynamic to any dive in its habitat.