Sunday, February 18, 2007

Flower Ghost Shrimp

It was a rough day for this Flower Ghost Shrimp (Callianassa petalura). Although not uncommon, they rarely leave their burrows. Maybe this guy should have stayed inside today.

Click on the photos to see them in larger format.

Shrimp with a clutch of eggs.















The Shrimp was attacked by this Sandperch and assumed the fetal position, spilling its eggs.





















Unfortunately, as it was flailing to find safety, the Shrimp landed in the middle of a tube anemone.




















The Shrimp either escaped or was spit out by the anemone, but the Sandperch was waiting and went straight for the remaining eggs.


























And finally, the Shrimp with no eggs left, looking somewhat defeated...but still alive.