An Undescribed Specie of Commensal Shrimp

Miguel?s Diving staff has collected two samples of an undescribed specie of shrimp for scientific analysis that is only found on bubble coral (Plerogyra sinuosa). The usual specie (Vir philippinensis) is transparent and easily identified by the purple lines down each leg and claw arm (cheliped), its purple antennae, and the purple bodyline. This Philippine bubble coral shrimp was only described in 1984.

Perhaps early next year, a new specie discovered in Papua New Guinea will be described officially. This specie does not have the lines but instead has purple joints. A shrimp very similar to the PNG one is the most common commensal shrimp found on bubble coral in Gorontalo. It measures only about one centimeter long and only a few millimeters wide. Is the Gorontalo specie the same? We will post the results as soon as we hear back from Australia. In the mean time, come diving in Gorontalo to see this pretty little creature.