These small shrimp are common in lagoon patches of Halimeda algae on sand at 8 to 15m or more in Kwajalein Atoll. This is one of the smashing stomatopods. They can often be found hidden among the clumps of algae or in holes in rocks or among the branches of corals. I sometimes run my fingers through the algae or move chunks of dead coral in search of slugs living in the same area, and have often had my fingers thumped by the raptorial appendages of these shrimp. In spite of their small size, it is noticeable! (Disclaimer: I don't actually recommend running your fingers through the algae. It doesn't hurt the algae, but hidden in there are spiny sea urchins, small Dendrochirus zebra lionfish and even tiny box jellyfish that can give you quite a sting.)
Created 15 July 2018