A small, slender shrimp clings to the surface of a large, rounded sea star underwater. The shrimp is about the length of a fingernail and has a bright reddish-orange body covered in tiny white speckles, with two prominent blue eyes near its head. Its body is sleek and slightly translucent, blending in beautifully with its host. The sea star beneath it is a pincushion starfish, which looks more like a plump, dome-shaped cushion than a typical starfish. Its surface is covered with dense, rounded bumps and short, finger-like projections, creating a rough, textured pattern. The colors are mostly shades of purple and pink, with some areas showing pale cream or tan. The shrimp sits nestled among the starfish’s textured surface, almost camouflaged, forming a striking contrast of vibrant red against a purple background — a delicate snapshot of marine life living in close partnership. Photo Credit: Gregory Rothman
A tiny Commensal #SeaStarShrimp, #PericlimenesSoror, rides on its host, a Pincushion #StarFish, #CulcitaNovaeguineae.
#PNG #MacroMonday #UW #EastCoastKin #Photohour #photographersofbluesky#Photography #PhotographersUnited
#underWaterPhotography #MarineLife
#SeaCreatures #CoralReefLife