Hinge-Beaked Shrimp

Rhynchocinetes australis

Systematics: Caridea Family Rhynchocinetidae

Distinguishing Characters:
This brightly coloured 60-mm-long shrimp has a long toothed rostrum able to hinge up and down. The carapace and abdomen are decorated with low striations.

Habitat and Distribution:
The hinge-beaked shrimp lives in rock crevices and algae on subtidal reefs in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

General Biology:
The hinging rostrum is unique to members of the family Rhynchocinetidae of which only three species occur in Australia. The function of this form of rostrum is unknown but it may be used as a threat display. This is one of the most colourful species of shrimps in southern Australia.

Feedback and queries should be sent to the Discovery Centre at Museum Victoria.
Please note, the Discovery Centre can help you only with questions about crustaceans from southeastern Australia. It can not advise on the care of pet hermit crabs or on crustaceans from other regions.