Rafi Amar, Israel
Info
Urocaridella pulchella is a small cave-cleaning shrimp that feeds on parasites (copepods, isopods, flukes) that have settled on fish and especially moray eels (e.g.
Muraena helena Linnaeus, 1758).
The shrimp also feeds on food remains and the oral mucus of the cleaners.
Urocaridella pulchella moves toward the fish being cleaned and begins cleaning, sometimes entering the fish's mouth and gill cavities.
Almost all specimens reported in this paper, as well as previous records, were observed in caves, crevices, and/or during night dives.
Urocaridella pulchella also thrives in dark cave zones.
The lack of regular reports of the species' occurrence may be attributed to its small size, mostly transparent body, and preference for cryptic habitats.
It would be interesting to know if there are husbandry experiences of Mediterranean or Red Sea divers who brought the animals home from vacation.
Muraena helena Linnaeus, 1758).
The shrimp also feeds on food remains and the oral mucus of the cleaners.
Urocaridella pulchella moves toward the fish being cleaned and begins cleaning, sometimes entering the fish's mouth and gill cavities.
Almost all specimens reported in this paper, as well as previous records, were observed in caves, crevices, and/or during night dives.
Urocaridella pulchella also thrives in dark cave zones.
The lack of regular reports of the species' occurrence may be attributed to its small size, mostly transparent body, and preference for cryptic habitats.
It would be interesting to know if there are husbandry experiences of Mediterranean or Red Sea divers who brought the animals home from vacation.
