The Red-White Durban Hingebeak Shrimp

If a diver happens to be exploring one of the reefs in Thailand, he of she may encounter an unusual shrimp indigenous to this environment. The Durban Hingebeak shrimp makes its home around the coral reefs of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. In fact, you may find several of these small animals in the same area. The Red-White Durban Hingebeak (Rhynchocinetes serratus) shrimp is one of the shrimps from the Rhynchocinetidae family.

The Red-White Durban Hingebeak shrimp are quite common in popular diving areas such as of the coast of Phuket and Koh Tao. Divers are likely to encounter them at several depths. The creature is usually 2 to 3cm long. It can best be photographed with a camera with macro function which allows you to include the animal's delicate antennae.

The Durban Hingebeak shrimp gets its common name from Milne-Edwards who discovered the creature in 1837. The body of the Durban Hingebeak shrimp is basically white with striking red lines and circle forms which cover the whole body. This some color pattern continues into the antennae and legs of the shrimp. This unique creature has large gray/black eyes which are extremely bright and reflective.

The Durban Hingebeak shrimp is striking in appearance and is sometimes confused with the Durban Dancer Shrimp. The shrimp is a challenging subject for the underwater photographer.

So, the next time you are diving on a coral reef around Thailand, you might try looking for the Durban Hingebeak shrimp and send us your photo's.