A type of cleaner shrimp, this species is relatively common to see in the waters around Anguilla. A little shy, it will retreat into a recess if approached, but if you stick a finger out towards it and keep it still it will usually come out to investigate and probably start cleaning under your nails for you. This behaviour is a give-away to the fact that the Banded Coral Shrimp is in fact a type of cleaner shrimp, removing parasites, fungi and damaged tissue from fish that it attracts by waving its long white antennae. This is quite a useful service that shrimps who like to clean perform, and a real win-win for all involved, trading a spa treatment for a slap up meal. In my mind though the fish comes out on top, as it leaves looking a million dollars while the shrimp gets a belly full of second hand skin. Hmmm.
Originally posted on Instagram @sea_anguilla with the text: Banded Coral Shrimp grazing among the seagrass in Merrywing Bay. These little crustaceans are usually seen near openings of reef recesses where they use their antenna to attract fish which they then proceed to clean of parasites. Quite a wonderful win-win service that they provide.