Alan Sutton, Tansania
Info
Valvifera sp.
The crustacean order Tanaidacea, commoon known as the Tanaids, make up a minor group within the class Malacostraca.
Members of the genus resemble long, slender isopods with claws that extend out at the front. Most species of the family Leptocheliidae (superfamily Paratanaoidea) are found in coastal regions and are occasionally found there in high densities. Leptocheliidae species generally exhibit a high degree of sexual dimorphism.
The photo of the orange gorgonian shrimp clinging tightly to an orange gorgonian was taken in Tanzania. The diameter of the gorgonian in the photos is only 5mm.
Unfortunately, an exact identification has not yet been possible. It is possible that it is Leptochelia mirabilis, as it occurs in this region.
The crustacean order Tanaidacea, commoon known as the Tanaids, make up a minor group within the class Malacostraca.
Members of the genus resemble long, slender isopods with claws that extend out at the front. Most species of the family Leptocheliidae (superfamily Paratanaoidea) are found in coastal regions and are occasionally found there in high densities. Leptocheliidae species generally exhibit a high degree of sexual dimorphism.
The photo of the orange gorgonian shrimp clinging tightly to an orange gorgonian was taken in Tanzania. The diameter of the gorgonian in the photos is only 5mm.
Unfortunately, an exact identification has not yet been possible. It is possible that it is Leptochelia mirabilis, as it occurs in this region.
