Bubble Coral Shrimp – Hamopontonia physogyra

, Bubble Coral Shrimp, Hamopontonia physogyra
Depth: 0 - 40 m

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Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf, Yellow Sea

The Bubble Coral Shrimp, scientifically known as Hamopontonia physogyra, is a captivating and fascinating marine crustacean. This shrimp exhibits a unique symbiotic relationship with its host, the Bubble-Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor). Its vibrant coloration and striking appearance make it a popular choice for marine aquariums, though it is crucial to understand its specific needs to ensure its well-being.

Description & Characteristics

The Hamopontonia physogyra is a small shrimp, reaching a maximum size of approximately 1.5 inches. Its body is typically a vibrant orange or reddish-orange, with contrasting white spots scattered across its carapace. The shrimp’s appendages, including its antennae and legs, are translucent and often display a hint of iridescent blue or green. This shrimp is distinguished by its long, thin, and flexible abdomen, which gives it a graceful and agile appearance.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Hamopontonia physogyra is a tropical shrimp, typically found in the Indo-Pacific region. Its distribution extends from the Red Sea to the western Pacific Ocean, encompassing a vast geographical area. This shrimp is often encountered in shallow reef environments, specifically within the coral communities of the tropical Indo-Pacific. Its preferred habitat is in association with the Bubble-Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor). This close association is crucial for the shrimp’s survival and provides protection from predators. It is often observed in depths ranging from 5 to 50 meters, making it a common inhabitant of the Neritic Zone.

Taxonomy

The Hamopontonia physogyra belongs to the Class: Malacostraca, the Order: Decapoda, and the Family: Palaemonidae. This classification places it within the larger group of crustaceans, specifically the order of decapod crustaceans, which includes shrimps, crabs, and lobsters. The Family Palaemonidae comprises a wide variety of freshwater and marine shrimps, known for their slender bodies and long rostrums.

Feeding

The Hamopontonia physogyra is a commensal shrimp, meaning it benefits from its relationship with the host anemone but does not provide any direct benefit in return. It is not known precisely what the shrimp feeds on, but it is believed to scavenge for food within the anemone’s tentacles. This opportunistic feeding behavior allows it to utilize the anemone’s environment, gaining access to food scraps and small invertebrates without the risk of predation.

Associated Species

Image References

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