diving.voyage
Shrimp

Marine life profile

Shrimp

Recorded at 3328 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Shrimp around the world

A shrimp (pl.: shrimp (US) or shrimps (UK)) is a common name typically used for crustaceans with an elongated body and a primarily swimming mode of locomotion. Most stay close to cover, emerging to feed, clean other animals or defend a small shelter.

Dive sites3328
Countries91
Animal groupCrustaceans
Safety profileGenerally Harmless

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

Look for a jointed shell, paired antennae and articulated legs adapted for walking, digging or gripping.

How It Behaves

Most stay close to cover, emerging to feed, clean other animals or defend a small shelter.

Special Ability

A tough external skeleton provides portable armor and is replaced as the animal grows.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Settle nearby and wait. Avoid touching antennae, claws or the shelter, especially during a night dive.

Safety

Observe without handling. Claws and defensive spines can injure, and recently molted animals are especially vulnerable.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

The name usually refers to decapods belonging to the Caridea or Dendrobranchiata, although some crustaceans outside this order are also referred to as "shrimp".

Where to Find

Search beneath ledges, inside coral heads, around anemones and across rubble after sunset.

Known countries

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaAustraliaTurkeyMexicoUnited StatesMalaysiaEgyptMaldivesJapanSint MaartenThailandGrenadaRomaniaGreeceOman