Stegopontonia
Stegopontonia is a genus of shrimp in the family Palaemonidae. It is a group of symbiotic shrimps that live in association with other marine organisms, particularly sea anemones.
Common Names
Species within the genus Stegopontonia are commonly known as "anemone shrimps" or "anemone-dwelling shrimps" due to their symbiotic relationship with sea anemones.
Characteristics
Stegopontonia shrimps exhibit several distinct characteristics:
- Small size: They are typically small, reaching only a few centimeters in length.
- Brightly colored: Many species exhibit vibrant colors, often matching the coloration of their host anemones.
- Specialized appendages: They possess specialized appendages, including long, slender antennae and grasping claws, which aid in their interactions with anemones.
- Symbiotic behavior: Stegopontonia shrimps exhibit a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones, gaining protection from predators and access to food while providing the anemone with cleaning services.
Environments
Stegopontonia shrimps are found in tropical and subtropical marine environments worldwide. They inhabit coral reefs, rocky shores, and other coastal habitats where their host anemones are present.
References
WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species
ResearchGate - A new species of the genus Stegopontonia