Circled Bumblebee Shrimp

Gnathophyllum circellum

The Circled Bumblebee Shrimp is a small crustacean belonging to the family Palaemonidae and order Decapoda. This species is typically found in subtropical regions of the Arctic and Western Atlantic. It inhabits environments such as rock ledges, reefs, and coral heads, where it can be observed at depths ranging from the surface to 18 meters. Divers encountering the Circled Bumblebee Shrimp might find it engaging in typical decapod behaviors. Members of this order are mostly gonochoric, meaning they have separate sexes, and they often engage in a precopulatory courtship ritual. This involves olfactory and tactile cues, with sperm transfer usually being indirect. The conservation status of the Circled Bumblebee Shrimp is not evaluated by the IUCN, CITES, or CMS. Divers might find these shrimp in various reef habitats, where they contribute to the benthic ecosystem.