Cinetorhynchus hawaiiensis

Cinetorhynchus hawaiiensis is a small crustacean belonging to the family Rhynchocinetidae, commonly found in the Eastern Central Pacific, specifically endemic to Hawaii. These shrimp reach a maximum length of 2.2 cm for males and unsexed individuals. They are benthic creatures, meaning they live on the ocean floor, and are primarily nocturnal. During the day, they are often hidden within the branches of finger coral, making them more challenging to spot. At night, they become more active, venturing out to feed and engage in other behaviors. The species is part of the order Decapoda, which includes many well-known crustaceans. Members of this order are mostly gonochoric, meaning individuals are either male or female. The mating behavior of Cinetorhynchus hawaiiensis involves a precopulatory courtship ritual that relies on olfactory and tactile cues, with sperm transfer typically being indirect. Divers encountering Cinetorhynchus hawaiiensis may find them in coral reefs, particularly those with finger coral formations. As they are nocturnal, night dives may offer better opportunities to observe these shrimp in action. Their conservation status has not been evaluated by the IUCN, and there are no specific threats to humans associated with this species.