Cortez Barrel Shrimp, Gnathophyllum panamense

Cortez  Barrel Shrimp, Gnathophyllum panamense. Shrimp collected from a tidal pool at El Tule, Km 17, Baja California Sur, December 2009. Length: 2.5 cm (1.0 inch).

Phylogeny: The Cortez Barrel Shrimp, Gnathophyllum panamense (Faxon, 1893), is a member of the Palaemonidae Family of Palaemonid Shrimp that is also known as the Spotted Bumblebee Shrimp and in Mexico as camarrón barril and camarrón cortes.

Morphology:  Cortez Barrel Shrimp are easy to identify due to their unique colors. Their thick cylindrical body is black with scattered orange and white specks. The tail and clawed appendages are whitish in color, and the walking legs are purple. Cortez Barrel Shrimp reach  2.5 cm (1.0 inch) in length.

Habitat and Distribution:  Cortez Barrel Shrimp are found from the intertidal and subtotal zone to depths up to of 27 m (90 feet); they reside in crevices. The Cortez Barrel Shrimp are residents of the Pacific and are found throughout the Sea of Cortez and south along the coast of the mainland to Guatemala.

Diet: The Cortez Barrel Shrimp feed on a variety of organisms and plant materials, including the tube feet of sea urchins. Additionally, they function as cleaner shrimp, mutualistically removing parasites and dead skin from fishes.

Behavior: The Cortez Barrel Shrimp are nocturnal creatures that spend daylight hours hiding under rocks, or in crevasses, where they blend in well with their surroundings. At night they emerge and become voracious omnivores.

Human Impact:  The unique colors of this species often attracts aquarium owners, many of whom attempt to bring them home from the Gulf of Mexico.