Leopard Shrimp

This Leopard Shrimp - Izucaris masudai is one of the larger ones and fat, most likely a female carrying eggs.
They are mostly around 1 cm in size or smaller.

Leopard Shrimps are probably found exclusively on Colonial Sea Anemones. They are mostly white in colour with markings of brown/black which camouflages well with its Sea Anemone host.

This species was first discovered from Japan and described in 1999 under a new genus - Izucaris.
The genus name Izucaris was derived from the location this species were first discovered - Izu Peninsular, Honshu, Japan.

comments (9)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

I'll admit, took my brain a while to match the title with the image! Nice one! Posted 6 years ago
1. Albert Kang
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, Ferdy.
  Most of the stuff I photograph from Anilao, Philippines are tiny critters, usually around 1 cm and less.
  And most of them are well camouflage for their protection. I upload another picture, more closer up to better show the Leopard Shrimp, but still on its Anemone host.
  
  Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Thanks, Albert! Even in the closeup it's still so well camouflaged! Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Albert Kang
      
      Lion
      
      Yes, its a rare Shrimp to find, cos there are usually many Anemone in the same area and more often than not, they are hiding beneath especially during day time. However, once you locate them, then its easier to find them again as they are likely to stay within the few Anemone host they were found on. Posted 6 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

1 cm! Wow, that's amazing. Great shot, Albert! Posted 6 years ago
1. Albert Kang
  
  Lion
  
  Yes, Christine and thanks.
  If you look up pics I posted at my Facebook, you will be able to see the size reference as I try to take pics of some interesting stuff with a 'toy diver'. And sometimes, some of the Nudibranch are of 5 mm or smaller in size. Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Yes, I love your aquaman photos, but never realized you were using it for a size reference! :) Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Albert Kang
      
      Lion
      
      It was for both purposes - fun pics and when there's tiny/small subjects, it helps with size reference :D Posted 6 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Clever and fun! Posted 6 years ago