Caribbean Velvet Shrimp

Metapenaeopsis goodei

The Caribbean velvet shrimp is a small crustacean found in the Western Atlantic, ranging from the USA to Brazil and the West Indies. It inhabits benthic environments and is typically found at depths ranging from the surface to about 329 meters. However, most occurrences are documented at depths shallower than 70 meters, with a significant number found above 40 meters. This shrimp species is often associated with rubble habitats. In terms of size, female Caribbean velvet shrimps can reach up to 2.1 cm in carapace length, while males or unsexed individuals can grow up to 1.9 cm. The species exhibits gonochoric reproduction, meaning individuals are distinctly male or female. Mating involves a precopulatory courtship ritual that relies on olfactory and tactile cues, and sperm transfer is typically indirect. Divers encountering the Caribbean velvet shrimp may find them on the ocean floor, often blending with their surroundings due to their small size and cryptic nature. As of now, there is no evaluation of their conservation status, and they pose no known threat to humans.