Nodulose Lobster Shrimp
| Name: | Nodulose Lobster Shrimp |
| Scientific Name: | Coralaxius nodulosus |
| Family: | Lobster Shrimps |
| Scientific Family: | Axiidae |
| Source: | WoRMS AphiaID 421844 |
| Size: | up to 0.5 in. |
| Depth Range: | On the reef (10 – 60 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
The Nodulose Lobster Shrimp has a red-orange to scarlet red body. Two short white bands curve behind the eyes on the carapace. Its large claws are unequal in size and heavily armored with bumps and spines. The antennae are long and feathery.
The Nodulose Lobster Shrimp can be found in holes and crevices in hard coral, coral rubble and coral rock. It is not known whether it digs these holes itself or takes over and enlarges holes made by worms or snails. It may use its feathery antennae to catch food floating in the water, and its armored claws to block the entrance of its hole.
On Bonaire, the Nodulose Lobster Shrimp has been photographed living in holes in hard coral. The photo shown here was used in a 2026 scientific study of how this shrimp lives.
Reference: Zootaxa, Anker (2026), View Source