Red Snapping Shrimp

Alpheus spp.

The Red Snapping Shrimp has red and white banded antennae. They live in association with Corkscrew Sea Anemones. Often only the antennae will be visible. They use their one enlarged front claw to make a snapping sound. Snapping shrimp, particularly the red snapping shrimp (Alpheus armatus), can significantly help the corkscrew anemone (Bartholomea annulata) by providing shelter within its tentacles while also cleaning the anemone by removing sediment and debris, creating a mutually beneficial relationship known as obligate mutualism; essentially, the shrimp gets a safe home, and the anemone gets a cleaning service. There is more than one species of Red Snapping Shrimp. There are two different species in these pictures.