Depth
Lysmata · Crustaceans (Crabs, Shrimps & Lobsters)

Monaco Shrimp

Lysmata seticaudata

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Arthropoda
Class Malacostraca
Genus Lysmata
Species seticaudata

Crustacean

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationA small, slender cleaner shrimp with a translucent reddish body and distinctive white markings along the back. Long, delicate antennae. The legs are partly transparent with red banding.
  • SizeBody length up to 5 cm.
  • Social HabitFound in small groups on rocky walls and in crevices. Acts as a cleaner, removing parasites from visiting fish. Waves its antennae to attract clients to its cleaning station.
  • HabitatRocky reefs, cave entrances, and crevices. Often found in dimly lit environments near the boundary between light and dark zones.
  • Depth1 to 45 m. Common across its depth range on suitable rocky habitat.
  • Feeds OnParasites and dead skin picked from fish, plus detritus and small organic particles.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic. Common in Maltese waters.
  • DescriptionLysmata seticaudata is one of several cleaner shrimp species found in Mediterranean waters. Divers can observe its cleaning behaviour at close range, as it is relatively unfazed by a careful approach. Fish queue at cleaning stations, spreading their gills and fins to allow the shrimp access to parasites. This mutualistic relationship benefits both parties and is one of the most engaging behaviours to watch on a reef.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Monaco Shrimp species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Feeds on fine organic particles, detritus, and tiny invertebrates found on cave walls and ceilings. Picks food from rocky surfaces using its slender first two pairs of legs.

Detritivore

Reproduction

Females carry small clusters of eggs on their pleopods within cave environments. Larvae are released into the water column where they undergo planktonic development.

Egg carrier

Behaviour & Defence

Inhabits the deep recesses of submarine caves where few predators venture. Its vibrant red colouration appears black in the absence of light, providing effective concealment.

Cave dwelling

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Lysmata seticaudata. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

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18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide