Cleaner Shrimpオトヒメエビ

Stenopus hispidusLC— Least Concern

The cleaner shrimp is a strikingly banded reef shrimp that runs a "cleaning station," picking parasites and dead tissue off client fish — even predatory species — which tend to leave it alone in exchange for the service.

Cleaner Shrimp (reference photo)
Photo: Photo Collection of Dr. James P. McVey, NOAA Sea Grant Program / Public domain / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Decapoda / Stenopodidae Source
Distribution
Widely distributed across tropical coral reefs worldwide; in Japan it is found along the Pacific coast south of the Bōsō Peninsula, inhabiting shallow rocky reefs and coral reefs. Source

Did You Know?

  • Its Japanese name, Otohime-ebi ("Princess Otohime shrimp"), comes from a resemblance between its vividly colored body, long antennae, and outstretched legs and the mythical sea princess Otohime. Source
  • Even predatory fish that would normally eat small shrimp tend to leave cleaner shrimp alone; their distinctive coloring is thought to act as a signal that they provide a cleaning service rather than being prey. Source

Where to See This Species

1 facilities · 0 individuals

かごしま水族館 (Kagoshima Suizokukan)Kagoshima鹿児島中央駅から市電（2系統）「水族館口」下車、徒歩8分。

かごしま水族館のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Stenopus hispidusはIUCNでLC。

Habitat

熱帯・亜熱帯の岩礁とサンゴ礁。

Threats

  • サンゴ礁の劣化
  • 観賞用採集
  • 海洋汚染

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

  • 生息地保全
  • 持続可能な採集

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

Support Conservation

A visit is a small, positive way to support the daily lives of the animals you care about.

Visit
A visit itself helps support the facility.
Animal Supporter Programs & Giving
Find ways to support the facility through its official website.
Furusato Nozei
Municipally run facilities may share official guidance for this Japanese hometown-tax program.

FAQ

What does the cleaner shrimp actually clean?
It picks parasites, dead skin, and food debris off the bodies of reef fish that visit its cleaning station, benefiting both species. Source
Why don't predatory fish eat cleaner shrimp?
Its bright, distinctive coloring is thought to signal to fish that it offers a beneficial cleaning service, which appears to discourage predators from eating it. Source
How big does a cleaner shrimp get?
Adults typically reach about 40-60 mm in body length. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org