Alpheus cedrici
A medium-sized snapping shrimp from the central Atlantic.
Alpheus cedrici is a species of snapping shrimp in the family Alpheidae. It is notable for being a medium-sized member of the genus Alpheus, found in the Southern and Central Atlantic Ocean around the islands of St. Helena and Ascension.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Alpheus
- Species
- cedrici
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Alpheus cedrici belongs to the Alpheus macrocheles species complex. Phylogenetic analysis shows it is most closely related to Alpheus macrocheles, Alpheus amblyonyx, Alpheus bellimanus, and Alpheus rectus. The specimens used to describe this species were collected during a scuba diving expedition in April of 2008 off the coast of Ascension Island in the central Atlantic Ocean. The holotype, a male, was found off the west side of English Bay. The species was named after Dr. Cedric d'Udekem d'Acoz in recognition of his contributions to the taxonomy of caridean shrimp and other decapods, particularly those in the Atlantic Ocean.
Reader's Guide
Alpheus cedrici is a species of snapping shrimp described from specimens collected in 2008 near Ascension Island. As a member of the Alpheus macrocheles species complex, it shares close phylogenetic relationships with four other species in the genus. Its discovery adds to the known biodiversity of snapping shrimps in the Southern and Central Atlantic, particularly around the remote islands of St. Helena and Ascension. The species is named for a taxonomist who contributed significantly to the study of Atlantic caridean shrimp and decapods. The holotype specimen is deposited at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, providing a reference for future taxonomic work. The species' medium size and distinctive red-orange coloration with white bands help distinguish it from related species.
Did You Know?
- Alpheus cedrici males grow to 10.1 mm and females to 11.8 mm.
- The species was named after Dr. Cedric d'Udekem d'Acoz for his work on Atlantic caridean shrimp taxonomy.
- The holotype was collected off the west side of English Bay, Ascension Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Alpheus cedrici?
Alpheus cedrici is a medium-sized snapping shrimp in the family Alpheidae, formally recognized as part of the Alpheus macrocheles species complex. Its holotype specimen is cataloged under the number OUMNH.ZC.2008-11-0017.
What does Alpheus cedrici look like?
The shrimp sports a vivid red or red-orange body marked by white bands along the posterior margin and pale, whitish patches on the flanks. Males top out around 10.1 mm, while females can reach roughly 11.8 mm.
Where does Alpheus cedrici live?
Its known range is confined to the waters around the islands of St. Helena and Ascension in the Southern and Central Atlantic Ocean. It does not appear to occupy a broad oceanic distribution beyond that island region.
Why is Alpheus cedrici important to shrimp taxonomists?
As a distinct member of the Alpheus macrocheles species complex, it serves as a key reference for separating closely related snapping shrimp that share similar body plans. Its specific combination of size, coloration, and restricted range helps clarify the boundaries within that complex.
What sets Alpheus cedrici apart from other Alpheus species?
Its bright red-orange coloration paired with white posterior bands and pale flank areas, combined with its medium size, distinguishes it from look-alikes in the macrocheles group. Unlike many widespread Alpheus species, it is tied specifically to the St. Helena and Ascension island waters.
More in Pistol and Cleaner Shrimp 1-15
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced