Lima Shrimp

Microprosthema semilaeve

The Lima shrimp, a member of the family Spongicolidae, is a small crustacean found in the Western Atlantic, particularly around the USA and Canada, extending into the Arctic region. Divers can encounter this species in shallow waters, as it inhabits depths ranging from 1 to 4 meters. This shrimp is part of the order Decapoda, which are mostly gonochoric, meaning individuals are either male or female. Mating involves a precopulatory courtship ritual that relies on olfactory and tactile cues, with sperm transfer occurring indirectly. Divers encountering the Lima shrimp may find it in subtropical environments, often in sandy or muddy bottoms where it may exhibit cryptic behavior.