DIVE LOG JUNE 2025 issue 412

Blink and you miss it John Magee

Sexy Shrimp

Most macro life requires fast reflexes to catch that perfect shot. Sexy hrimp however, bring a whole new meaning to the word. These shrimps are very easily spooked by a strobe or any other light. So you have to move quickly and understand their lives in order to catch the right moment. Sexy shrimp are what is referred to as sequential hermaphrodites, that is, they start their lives as males and then as they get larger, become female. Many different species, not just shrimp, transition throughout their lives but male to female is the rarer option in the animal world. As a large female, they can get to almost 13mm or half an inch, sizeable for a shrimp! They have a commensal relationship with anemones and mushroom corals, feeding on things caught in the hosts tentacles but not doing the coral any harm or good. Often once one is spotted in a coral, you can be sure there will be a few presents as these shrimps often live in small groups. They are also found from 3m all the way to 30m, giving them a great range and making life a lot easier for photographers to spot. These shrimps are known by a few different names. Sexy shrimp comes from the way they often vibrate their abdomen whilst walking, looking very much like they are wiggling their bottoms. Disco shrimp comes from their tendency to look like they are dancing to 80’s pop when hiding in tentacles, always wiggling and almost about to

bust out a hustle. Other names are the squat shrimp, presumably for their short and squat appearance!, popcorn shrimp and Thor amboinensis. Some of these shrimps have even been seen providing a cleaning service to mantis shrimps, imagine that photo! So, keep your eyes open…

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Dive Log Australasia #412 June 25

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