Pontonia
Pontonia is a genus of small, commensal shrimp belonging to the family Palaemonidae. These shrimps are commonly known as “yellow shrimp” or “cleaner shrimp” due to their vibrant coloration and their cleaning behavior. They are distinguished by their slender bodies, relatively long rostra, and prominent carinae along their carapace. Pontonia species are found in a variety of marine environments, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region. They are often found in close association with other marine organisms, exhibiting commensalistic relationships.
Characteristics
Members of the genus Pontonia share several characteristic features:
- Slender body: Pontonia species have an elongated, slender body shape.
- Relatively long rostrum: Their rostrum, a pointed projection on the head, is significantly longer than other Palaemonidae shrimp.
- Prominent carinae: The carapace, the upper shell of the shrimp, possesses distinct ridges known as carinae.
- Variable coloration: Pontonia species are known for their vibrant coloration, often displaying bright yellows, oranges, and reds.
- Small size: They are typically small shrimp, reaching only a few centimeters in length.
Environment and Ecology
Pontonia shrimp are found in a range of marine environments, including:
- Coral reefs: Pontonia species are commonly found in coral reefs, particularly in association with various coral species.
- Seagrass beds: Some species inhabit seagrass beds, feeding on algae and small invertebrates.
- Mangrove forests: Certain Pontonia species are known to inhabit mangrove forests, seeking shelter and food within the complex root systems.
Commensalism
Many Pontonia species exhibit commensalistic relationships with other marine organisms, particularly with invertebrates like sea anemones, corals, and sponges. This relationship benefits the shrimp by providing shelter, food, and protection from predators, while the host organism is generally unaffected.
References
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
A review of the genus Pontonia (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palaemonidae), with the description of a new species from the western Atlantic