Three new species of snapping shrimp in a coral reef.

Shrimp Secrets: Uncovering New Species in the Persian Gulf

Soraya Malik in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Dive into the world of marine biology and discover the fascinating story of newly identified snapping shrimp species, their unique characteristics, and the importance of biodiversity in the Persian Gulf."

The ocean's depths hold countless secrets, and among them are the hidden lives of marine creatures, great and small. In a recent study published in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, researchers unveiled a fascinating discovery: three new species of snapping shrimp, genus Alpheus, dwelling in the Persian Gulf. This discovery highlights the incredible biodiversity still waiting to be uncovered and underscores the importance of ongoing marine research.

Snapping shrimp, also known as pistol shrimp, are a captivating group of crustaceans renowned for their unique ability to create a powerful snapping sound with their oversized claw. This sound, generated by rapidly closing the claw, produces a cavitation bubble that collapses with enough force to stun or even kill prey. These tiny but mighty creatures play a vital role in marine ecosystems, contributing to the complex web of life beneath the waves.

This article delves into the details of this exciting discovery, exploring the characteristics of these new shrimp species, their habitat in the Persian Gulf, and the broader implications for understanding marine biodiversity and conservation. Whether you're a seasoned marine biologist or simply curious about the natural world, prepare to be amazed by the hidden lives of these snapping shrimp.

What Makes These Snapping Shrimp Unique?

Three new species of snapping shrimp in a coral reef.

The researchers, Amir Dehghani, Alireza Sari, and Reza Naderloo, meticulously examined shrimp specimens collected from the Abu-Musa Island region of the Persian Gulf. Their detailed analysis revealed distinct morphological characteristics that set these shrimp apart from previously known species. These differences include variations in claw shape, body size, and color patterns.

Here's a closer look at the three newly identified species:

Alpheus ankeri sp. nov.: This species features a unique color pattern and a relatively large female allotype, measuring 9.1 mm in carapace length (CL).
A. abumusa sp. nov.: The female allotype of this species has a CL of 8.8 mm, with subtle differences in claw morphology. The male holotype is recorded with a CL of 8.9 mm.
A. mohammadpouri sp. nov.: Characterized by a distinct set of features, this species includes a female allotype with a CL of 9.4 mm and a male holotype with a CL of 8.3 mm.

These subtle yet significant differences in physical characteristics, combined with genetic analysis (as would typically be done in such studies, though not explicitly mentioned in this correction), confirm that these are indeed distinct and previously undescribed species. The discovery adds another layer of complexity to our understanding of the Alpheus genus and the biodiversity of the Persian Gulf.

Why This Discovery Matters

The identification of these three new snapping shrimp species is more than just an academic exercise. It underscores the critical importance of biodiversity in the Persian Gulf, a region facing increasing environmental pressures from pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Understanding the full extent of marine life in this area is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. Each species, no matter how small, plays a role in the intricate web of the ecosystem.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1017/s0025315418000978, Alternate LINK

Title: Three New Species Of Narrowly Endemic Snapping Shrimp, Genus Alpheus (Decapoda: Caridea: Alpheidae) From The Persian Gulf – Corrigendum

Subject: Aquatic Science

Journal: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Authors: Amir Dehghani, Alireza Sari, Reza Naderloo

Published: 2018-11-19

Everything You Need To Know

What are snapping shrimp, and why are they called that?

Snapping shrimp, also known as pistol shrimp, are crustaceans famous for their ability to create a loud snapping sound with their oversized claw. This sound is generated by rapidly closing the claw, producing a cavitation bubble that collapses with enough force to stun or even kill prey. Their ability to snap gives them their common name and highlights a unique adaptation for survival in marine environments.

Where were these new species of snapping shrimp discovered, and what specific features did the researchers examine?

The three new species of snapping shrimp were discovered in the Persian Gulf, specifically in the Abu-Musa Island region. Researchers, including Amir Dehghani, Alireza Sari, and Reza Naderloo, examined the shrimp specimens' morphological characteristics. They focused on variations in claw shape, body size, and color patterns to differentiate the new species from previously known ones. These subtle distinctions were critical in identifying the unique features of each new species.

Can you describe the key characteristics that distinguish each of the newly discovered snapping shrimp species, specifically the ones with the name Alpheus?

Each of the newly identified species within the genus Alpheus has its own distinguishing features. Alpheus ankeri sp. nov. is noted for its unique color pattern and a large female allotype, measuring 9.1 mm in carapace length (CL). A. abumusa sp. nov. shows subtle differences in claw morphology, with a female allotype of 8.8 mm CL and a male holotype of 8.9 mm CL. Finally, A. mohammadpouri sp. nov. is characterized by a distinct set of features, a female allotype with a CL of 9.4 mm and a male holotype of 8.3 mm CL. These morphological differences were key in confirming them as distinct species.

Why is the discovery of these new snapping shrimp species significant for the Persian Gulf?

The discovery of these new snapping shrimp species is significant because it underscores the importance of biodiversity in the Persian Gulf. The region faces environmental pressures such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Understanding the full extent of marine life in the Persian Gulf is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. Each species, including the snapping shrimp, contributes to the intricate web of the ecosystem.

How does the study of snapping shrimp contribute to the broader understanding of marine ecosystems and conservation efforts?

Studying snapping shrimp, particularly new species like those found in the Persian Gulf, provides valuable insights into the complexity and diversity of marine ecosystems. Each species plays a role in the intricate web of life, and their presence or absence can indicate the health of the environment. This research supports the development of effective conservation strategies. The discovery of the new Alpheus species underscores the need for continuous marine research to protect biodiversity in the face of environmental threats.