Coral-reef
Guides
Anilocra
Fish Lice
Anilocra is a genus of marine isopods in the family Cymothoidae, commonly known as fish lice. Members are obligate external parasites of teleost fishes, attaching to host skin and feeding on blood. The genus exhibits sequential hermaphroditism, with individuals beginning life as males and transitioning to females as they grow. Parasitism by Anilocra species has been documented to reduce host growth rates, fecundity, and survival.
Desidae
intertidal spiders, desid spiders
Desidae is a family of spiders with remarkable ecological diversity, ranging from truly marine intertidal species to inland web-builders. The family was historically defined by intertidal members of the genus Desis, which construct air-filled silk retreats in barnacle shells or kelp holdfasts to survive tidal submersion. Modern circumscription includes inland genera such as Badumna and Phryganoporus. The family contains 63 genera and over 320 species, with the majority native to Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. Some species have become invasive synanthropes, establishing populations in North and South America, Europe, and Asia.
Stenopodidea
Coral and Glass Sponge Shrimps, Boxer Shrimps
Stenopodidea is a small infraorder of decapod crustaceans comprising 71 extant species in 12 genera, commonly known as coral and glass sponge shrimps or boxer shrimps. Despite their common names, they are distinct from both Caridea (true shrimp) and Dendrobranchiata (prawns), representing a separate lineage within Pleocyemata more closely related to reptant decapods such as lobsters and crabs. Members are characterized by a greatly enlarged third pair of pereiopods, non-branching gills, and egg-brooding reproduction. The group includes three fossil species, with the earliest known from the Devonian period.
Stenopus
boxer shrimp, coral shrimp, banded coral shrimp
Stenopus is a genus of marine decapod crustaceans comprising eleven described species, commonly known as boxer or coral shrimps. Members are characterized by enlarged, asymmetrical chelipeds used in defense and intraspecific combat. Several species, particularly Stenopus hispidus, are significant in the ornamental aquarium trade and function as cleaner organisms in reef ecosystems. The genus exhibits monogamous social structures and prominent agonistic behaviors mediated by dopamine and acetylcholine neuroendocrine pathways.
Stenopus hispidus
banded coral shrimp, banded cleaner shrimp, coral banded shrimp
Stenopus hispidus is a marine decapod crustacean in the family Stenopodidae, recognized as one of the most widely distributed cleaner shrimps in tropical seas. The species reaches 60 mm in total length and exhibits striking red-and-white banded coloration on the carapace, abdomen, and enlarged third pereiopods. It is exclusively monogamous, with pairs occupying reef territories 1–2 meters in diameter. The species advertises cleaning services to client fish through a distinctive "dancing" behavior involving lateral antennae movement, and removes parasites, fungi, and damaged tissue using its three pairs of claws. Females are typically larger than males and carry externally fertilized eggs until hatching.
Stenorhynchus seticornis
Yellowline Arrow Crab, Arrow Crab
Stenorhynchus seticornis is a marine crab commonly known as the yellowline arrow crab. It inhabits shallow subtidal zones of the western Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina to Brazil. The species is recognized by its triangular body, elongated pointed rostrum, and long thin legs. It is nocturnal, territorial, and frequently associated with sea anemones, particularly Lebrunia danae.