The Pederson’s Shrimp (Ancylomenes pedersoni or Periclemenes pedersoni) is a marine (saltwater) crustacean in the Palaemonidae family of shrimp. It is also known as the Pederson’s Cleaner Shrimp. It is related to the crab and the lobster.

The Pederson’s Shrimp is a small, transparent (see-through) shrimp with blue or violet markings on its body. It has long, white antennae. 

It measures 15 centimetres (6 inches) in length. 

It is found in the Caribbean Sea and on the reefs near Bermuda. It lives with a sea anemone, living among its poisonous tentacles (so that fish can’t eat it). The anemone is called a host animal because it protects the Pederson’s Shrimp. It often cleans passing fish. The fish remains still while the Pederson’s Shrimp removes parasites from the fish’s body. 

It is diurnal, active during the day, although it is not very active. It sits still for a long time. 

It is omnivorous, using its feather-like claspers to filter food particles from the water. It eats algae, plant leaves, and biofilm. 

The female carries 20-30 eggs under her belly and tail on her swimmerettes. The eggs hatch after 14-21 days. The young are called shrimplets. 

The Pederson’s Shrimp lives, on average, for 1-2 years. 

Location of photographs: Aquarium de Paris-Cinéaqua, France

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM