Stiletto Coastal Shrimp

Heptacarpus stylus

The stiletto coastal shrimp, belonging to the family Thoridae, is a type of decapod crustacean commonly found in the Eastern Pacific, particularly along the coast of Canada. This shrimp is part of the benthic community, inhabiting temperate marine environments. Heptacarpus stylus is known for its reproductive behavior, which involves a precopulatory courtship ritual. This ritual relies on olfactory and tactile cues, leading to indirect sperm transfer, a common trait among decapods. Divers encountering the stiletto coastal shrimp might observe its cryptic behavior, as it blends into its surroundings on the ocean floor. It is not listed on the IUCN Red List. Observations of this species have been recorded near various dive sites.