Richardson's Snapping Shrimp

About

This shrimp a member of the pistol shrimp (named after their claw) family has a dark green to brown body with small red spots and one claw larger than the other. They use this claw to make a loud clicking sound that stuns its prey. This clicking often startles people when they handle this shrimp.

This species commonly lives in pairs in an elaborate burrow that they dig to a depth of around 30cm.

Size

Can grow to up to around 60mm

Habitat

Reef and seaweed areas, to depth of 25 m

Distribution

Pacific Islands and Australia including Tasmania

Gallery

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Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (3)

1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
2. Taylor, J. and Poore, G. (2020) Alpheus richardsoni Snapping Shrimp in Museums Victoria Collections (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
3. WoRMS (2021). Alpheus richardsoni Yaldwyn, 1971. (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)