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| shrimps text index | photo index |
| Phylum Arthropoda
> Subphylum Crustacea > Class
Malacostraca > Order Decapoda
> prawns and shrimps > Family Paleomonidae > Genus Periclimenes |
| Five-spot
anemone shrimp Periclimenes brevicarpalis Family Palaemonidae updated May 09 Where seen? This chubby shrimp is often seen in Giant carpet anemones (Stichodactyla gigantea), Haddon's carpet anemones (Stichodactyla haddoni) as well as Magnificent anemones (Heteractis magnifica) on many of our shores. Usually a pair are seen in one anemone. Features: To about 4cm. Body almost transparent, especially the smaller male. Has transparent pincers with purple bars. The female is often larger and more brightly marked with large white spots on the back, along the abdomen and the base of the tail. In both the male and female, the tail has 5 eyespots that are black with an orange centre. The male may be totally transparent except for the eyespots on the tail. But some also have a white tail and a white bar between the eyes like the female. At low tide, they are more easily spotted at night when they are still somewhat active. During the day, they often remain hidden under the anemone. Sometimes, False clown anemonefishes (Amphiprion ocellaris) are also found together with the anemone shrimps on the same anemone. They don't seem to bother one another. Does it 'clean' fish? A filefish was once observed close to an anemone shrimp for some time. Could it be expecting the shrimp to clean it? What does it eat? Anemone shrimps do not appear to eat the host anemone or off the anemone's fluids. Instead, they are believed to shelter in the anemone for protection and may feed on left overs. The shrimps have often been seen "hanging" over the edge of their anemone home with their pincers extended. Status and threats: Our anemone shrimps are not listed among the endangered animals of Singapore. However, like other creatures of the intertidal zone, all our snapping shrimps are affected by human activities such as reclamation and pollution. Trampling by careless visitors and over-collection by hobbyists can also have an impact on local populations. |
 Kusu Island, May 07   |
Five-spot anemone shrimps on Singapore shores
 This filefish appeared to be presenting itself to the shrimp Pulau Sekudu, May 05 |
 'Locked out' of its sea anemone at low tide! Kusu Island, Jul 04 |
video clips and more photos of five-spot anemones shrimps on Singapore shores
northern shores part 1 | part 2
southern shores part 1 | part 2
References
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Sea Challengers. 314pp.|
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