Conchodytes meleagrinae Peters, 1852
During a dive off the island of Aore, this pair of shrimps were found inside a pearl oyster. The larger shrimp specimen is the female. She carries eggs under her body. The smaller specimen is the male. Usually only one pair is present per pearl oyster. The association is rather specific. Many larger oysters, mussels, giant clams and pen shells have their own species of shrimp. The shrimps species are usually closely related.

Locality:
Vanuatu, Santo, S Segond Channel, Belmout lagoon entrance, Brickstocke Point
Method:
Hand picked by a scuba-diver
Scientist:
Dr. Charles Fransen,
Curator of the Crustacea
National Museum of Natural History 'Naturalis'
The Netherlands
Specialist of shrimps associated with bivalves and sea-squirts

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