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Synalpheus stimpsoni (De Man, 1888)
| Family Name: | Alpheidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Crustacean, Crab and Prawn) |
| Common Name: | Crinoid Snapping Shrimp |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | The species is an obligate commensal on feather stars (Crinoidea) and frequently occurs in pairs. The shrimp feeds on the mucus produced by the feather stars and probably in return, helps the feather star defend itself against possible predators and settlement of encrusting organisms. The distinctive colour pattern of the shrimp allows it to camouflage itself remarkably well on the feather star. |
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| Habitats | Coral Reef, Marine |
| Distribution | Occurs in warm western Pacific waters. In Singapore, it is found in reefs in the southern islands. |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Coral reef destruction and siltation are serious problems. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | The details of the unusual relationship between the shrimp and its feather star host are well known; studies have shown it to be very tight, with both species benefiting from the relationship. Presence of complex symbiotic relationships, especially commensalism and mutualism, are very useful in determining if reefs are healthy or excessively stressed - their absence is usually an indication that something is amiss. |
| Conservation Notes | The survival of this species is inextricably linked to that of its feather star hosts, which in turn occur only on good coral refs. Conservation of such areas is thus essential. Over the last few years, feather star numbers have fluctuated and/or decreased, but the exact cause is uncertain. There is no doubt, however, that the loss of the host feather stars will also condemn this peculiar shrimp to extinction. |
Status
| Species Status | Native |
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| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Critically Endangered (CR) [2008] |
Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
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