Emperor Shrimp Collection

Commensal emperor shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) hitching a ride on a Nudibranch (Risbecia tryoni). Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Emperor shrimp (Periclemenes imperator) on a nudibranch (Ceratosoma sp. ) Lembeh Strait
Emperor shrimp (Periclemenes imperator) on a nudibranch (Ceratosoma sp.) Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Commensal emperor shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) moves across the colourful red patterned surface of its host Candycane sea cucumber (Thelenota rubralineata)

Emperor shrimp (Periclemenes imperator) on sea cucumber (Thelenota ananas) Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sulu Sea, Cagayancillo, Palawan, Philippines

RF - Emperor shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) exploring alien-looking landscape of host sea cucumber (Bohadschia argus). Emperor shrimps are commensals on many hosts

Nudibranch with orange emperor shrimp, Bali, Indonesia
Mexichromis multitubeculata sea slug nudibranch with orange emperor shrimp, Bali, Indonesia

Imperator Commensal Shrimp on Eyed Sea Cucumber
Imperator Commensal Shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) on Eyed Sea Cucumber (Bohadschia argus), Fiji

Emperor commensal shrimp on a nudibranch, North Sulawesi
Emperor commensal shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) riding on a Ceratosoma gracillimum T-bar nudibranch, Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Imperial shrimp on beige spotted sea cucumber
Orange, purple and white imperial shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) on beige spotted sea cucumber, Batangas, Philippines

Commensal shrimp, Fiji

Emperor shrimp on soft coral, Bali, Indonesia
Orange, white and blue emperor shrimp on cauliflower-like white soft coral, Bali, Indonesia

Emperor Shrimpon sea cucumber, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Emperor Shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) on sea cucumber, Bunaken National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Chromodoris kunei nudibranch carrying an orange emperor shrimp on its back, Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Emporer Shrimp on a large pin cushion starfish, Papua New Guinea
Emperor shrimp on a large pin cushion starfish, Papua New Guinea

A colorful emperor shrimp sits atop a sea cucumber
A colorful emperor shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) sits on a sea cucumber in Indonesia. This tropical region, within the Coral Triangle, is home to an incredible variety of marine life

Emperor shrimp on orange sea cucumber, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Emperor shrimp on orange sea cucumber, Lembeh Strait, Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

A tiny emperor shrimp on a nudibranch
A tiny emperor shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) hitches a ride on a nudibranch in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This beautiful area harbors extraordinary marine biodiversity

Indonesia. Emperor shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) on sea cucumber

Emperor shrimp on a sea cucumber
Emperor shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) on the skin of a sea cucumber. The emperor shrimp hitches rides on larger animals for protection from predators

Emperor shrimp (Periclemenes imperator). Photographed off Bunaken National Park, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Nudibranch and emperor shrimp
Nudibranch (Chromodoris annae) with an emperor shrimp (Periclimenes imperator, centre). Nudibranchs, or sea-slugs, are shell-less marine molluscs that live in seas around the world

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The Emperor Shrimp: Masters of Commensalism These tiny creatures, known as the Emperor shrimp (Periclimenes imperator), have perfected the art of hitching a ride, and are often spotted gracefully perched on various hosts, showcasing their unique commensal relationship. In one stunning encounter, a Commensal Emperor shrimp was seen riding on the back of a Nudibranch (Risbecia tryoni). The contrasting colors created an enchanting sight in the tropical waters of Lembeh Strait. Another captivating moment captured these shrimps moving across the vibrant red patterns adorning their host, the Candycane sea cucumber (Thelenota rubralineata). Found in Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, this scene exemplified nature's artistic brilliance. Tubbataha showcased yet another fascinating interaction between an Emperor shrimp and its host. This time it was a sea cucumber species called Thelenota ananas. The delicate balance between these two organisms highlighted their mutualistic bond. Venturing into uncharted territories led to breathtaking discoveries for these explorers. An alien-looking landscape became home for an adventurous Emperor shrimp as it fearlessly roamed through unfamiliar surroundings. Bali proved to be a paradise not only for tourists but also for marine life enthusiasts. Here, Nudibranchs were accompanied by orange-hued Emperor shrimps that added bursts of color to Bali's underwater world. North Sulawesi witnessed yet another symbiotic partnership when an Imperial Commensal Shrimp found solace on the back of a nudibranch. This harmonious coexistence displayed nature's ability to foster interdependence among different species. Beige spotted sea cucumbers provided refuge for Imperial shrimps seeking camouflage amidst their environment. Their intricate patterns blended seamlessly with those of their hosts in perfect harmony. From Fiji to Bali and beyond, these commensal shrimps have left their mark on the world's oceans.