The Anemone Shrimp, also called Broken-back Shrimp, are a large family of over 330 species, including several species of cleaner shrimp. A small number of these species can be found at the dive sites around Koh Lanta.
Oddly, these species do not appear to have broken backs, and we have not yet observed any members living in anemones.
2 species found on this page.
(Saron marmoratus)
Saron marmoratus @ Koh Haa
The Marbled Shrimp has a dumpy body and distinct colouration. The rostrum (beak) is slightly longer than the main body, and the body colours vary widely, with a mostly brownish to reddish under colour, decorated with pinkish to bluish to whitish bands, spots and other mottled markings.
Colouration and patterns can be quickly changed for camouflage, though the colouration is generally ‘marbled’. The legs are generally always dark and white banded.
The dorsal area and abdomen or Marbled Shrimp have many tufts of hair-like bristles (setae), which are more dense in females. Females also have thick brush-like tufts of bristles on the first pair of legs.
The Marbled Shrimp is often found hiding in corals and around coral rubble and is capable of moving very quickly when necessary.
(Lysmata amboinensis)
Lysmata amboinensis @ Koh Haa
White-Banded Cleaner Shrimp, or Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, has amber coloured body and legs. The top of the head and the carapace (rear body shell) is a deep reddish colour, with a long white stripe from the tip to the head to the tail base.
The tail is similarly coloured, with two white spots on each side of the tail and a central white triangle.
Lysmata amboinensis @ Koh Haa
The White-Banded Cleaner Shrimp has several long white antennae and the two front cleaning arms are also white
The White-Banded Cleaner Shrimp grows to 5 cm, and the diet includes parasites and dead tissue from fish.
If you'd love a chance to spot Anemone Shrimp on one of our daily Koh Lanta diving trips then send us an email to info@diveandrelax.com.
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