Calliasmata pholidota

Calliasmata pholidota, a shrimp from the family Barbouriidae, ranges from 15 to 30 millimeters in total length. Its body color varies from pale pink to brilliant red, often with red banding, while its legs range from red to pale. A transverse red band frequently runs along the base of the telson. Like others in its family, this shrimp can alter the intensity of its red pigment, which is why they are called chameleon shrimp.

Black pigments are associated with the eyes, and its chelipeds are conspicuous. It moves by walking across the substrate. The species is thought to be an opportunistic feeder, taking live prey or scavenging.

Within the Hawaiian Islands, C. pholidota is found in anchialine pools with mid-to high salinity. It has a disjunct Indo-Pacific distribution, reported from the Red Sea–Sinai Peninsula, Funafuti Atoll, and the Hawaiian Islands of Maui and Hawaii. On the island of Hawaii, it inhabits one pool at Ka Lae at Lua o Palahemo and one pool group in the Manuka Natural Area Reserve. On Maui, it occurs in four pool groups in Ahihi-Kinau.

At Lua o Palahemo, it shares its habitat with three other candidate species of anchialine pool shrimp: Antecaridina lauensis, Procaris hawaiana, and Vetericaris chaceorum. In these sightings, specimens were not abundant, and the species has been considered for endangered status due to its presumably small numbers. Like other anchialine pool shrimp, it is believed to live in an extensive network of water-filled interstitial spaces connected to the pool.