Photo by Mika d’Eau
Small, vibrant, and full of personality — meet our Fish of the Month, the Sexy Shrimp (Thor amboinensis). Don’t let its size fool you; this tiny crustacean is one of the ocean’s most captivating performers. With its vivid orange body, white spots, and characteristic “dancing” motion of its tail, it has rightly earned its playful nickname.
The sexy shrimp is a master of movement. You’ll often find it gently swaying its abdomen in a rhythmic wiggle — almost like it’s grooving to an underwater tune! This quirky behavior is more than just cute; it’s a way to signal to other shrimp and attract attention from potential mates.
These little charmers usually live among sea anemones, forming a fascinating symbiotic relationship. The anemone provides shelter and protection with its stinging tentacles, while the shrimp helps keep it clean by eating leftover bits of food. It’s a perfect example of harmony in the reef.
Measuring only about 2 centimeters, sexy shrimps feed on small food particles, plankton, and detritus floating in the water. They are most active during the day, often spotted in small groups showing off their synchronized “dance” moves — a true joy for macro photographers and divers alike.
Despite their delicate appearance, these shrimps are quite brave! They can often be seen defending their anemone homes from curious intruders many times their size. And if you’re lucky, you might spot them sharing space with clownfish — a colorful, chaotic little neighborhood of reef life.
So next time you’re diving around Rannalhi, take a closer look at the anemones — a tiny dancer might be there, wiggling its tail in the rhythm of the reef!
Photo by Mika d’Eau
