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Alpheus parvirostris

Green banded snapping shrimp

Aidan Janetzki (2013)

  

 

Fact Sheet

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Summary


Physical Description


Size


External Anatomy


Ecology


Habitat


Life History & Behaviour


Snapping Effect


Moulting


Egg Development


Internal Anatomy & Physiology


Evolution & Systematics


Biogeographic Distribution


Conservation & Threats


References & Links

Size

Alpheus paravirostris have been recorded to reach 2.5cm in length (Debelius 2001).  Adult specimens collected from Heron Island were generally around 2cm in length while juvenile individuals were measured at less than 1cm.  Males were observed to be slightly larger in size and have larger chelae than females.  Sexual dimorphism is common in crustaceans and is likely to have arisen in crustaceans due to female mate choice or male competition (Shuster 1990).  This is supported from what was observed on Heron Island as Alpheus paravirostris specimens were always found in pairs.  Males therefore are likely to require a larger body size and chelae to initially obtain a female and then protect and keep her from rival males.


Adult (right) and juvenile (left) Alpheus paravirostris on coral substrate. Original Photo Aidan Janetzki 2013.

Classification

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