The Cave Cleaner Shrimp – Urocaridella pulchella is a small, brightly colored shrimp species found in the marine environments of the Indo-Pacific region. They are highly sought after by aquarists for their attractive appearance and peaceful nature.
Description & Characteristics
The Urocaridella pulchella is a small shrimp, with adults reaching a maximum size of approximately 2.5 cm in length. They are characterized by their vibrant coloration, typically displaying a mix of bright orange, yellow, and white markings. Their bodies are slender and elongated, with long, delicate antennae.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Cave Cleaner Shrimp – Urocaridella pulchella typically inhabits the reef flats and tide pools of the Indo-Pacific region. This makes them a common sight in the intertidal zone, where they are often found in small caves or crevices. They are also frequently found in association with coral reefs, taking advantage of the diverse ecosystem these structures offer. The Cave Cleaner Shrimp is often observed in the tropical marine zones of this region.
Taxonomy
The species Urocaridella pulchella belongs to the Class: Malacostraca, Order: Decapoda, and Family: Palaemonidae. This family, the Palaemonidae, is known for its diverse range of shrimps, many of which are important to the marine ecosystem and are commonly found in aquariums. The order Decapoda encompasses a wide variety of crustaceans, including crabs, lobsters, and crayfish, all of which share the defining characteristic of having ten legs.
Feeding
Food info: No reliable information available.
Image References