Commonly known as boxer shrimps, this is a peculiar group of decapod crustaceans, related to shrimps and prawns but distinct enough to have their own category: the infraorder Stenopodidea. Currently, about 70 species have been described within this group, although experts believe there may be more undiscovered species, especially in hard-to-access habitats such as underwater caves or abyssal depths.
One of the most striking characteristics of these shrimps is the presence of a pair of greatly enlarged front legs, resembling boxing gloves, hence their common name. These legs are used not only for defense but also for cleaning and feeding. Unlike other shrimps, in boxer shrimps the third pair of thoracic legs is the longest and most robust, a distinctive feature compared to other crustacean groups.
Morphologically, boxer shrimps have an elongated, segmented body, a carapace covering the head and part of the thorax, and a muscular abdomen that they use to swim backward when threatened. They often display vivid colors with red, white, or purple bands, making them especially attractive in marine aquariums.
The infraorder Stenopodidea is divided into three main families:
- The family Stenopodidae, which includes the best-known genus: Stenopus. Within this genus, the standout species is Stenopus hispidus, known as the banded coral shrimp or banded cleaner shrimp, famous for its symbiotic behavior with fish by cleaning them of parasites.
- The family Macromaxillocarididae, much less known, containing only a single described species to date: Macromaxillocaris bahamaensis, discovered in a marine cave in the Bahamas.
- The family Spongicolidae, whose species live in association with marine sponges, which they use as shelter. Many of these species have slimmer bodies and special adaptations for living in these protected environments.
Boxer shrimps are widely distributed across the tropical and subtropical oceans of the world. They can be found on coral reefs, rocky bottoms, underwater caves, and even in deep waters. They are nocturnal and quite territorial animals, usually staying hidden during the day and coming out at night to feed.
As for their diet, these shrimps are omnivorous. They feed on organic debris, small invertebrates, and, in some cases, as in Stenopus hispidus, they clean the skin of larger fish, removing parasites and dead tissue—an example of a mutually beneficial relationship known as symbiosis.
Their reproduction is sexual, with the female carrying the eggs attached to her abdomen until they hatch. From the eggs emerge larvae that go through several stages before becoming adults, a process known as indirect development, common to many marine crustaceans.
In summary, the boxer shrimps of the infraorder Stenopodidea are a fascinating group due to their behavior, morphology, and interaction with other marine organisms. Although not as well-known as other crustaceans, they play an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit and are a perfect example of the diversity and specialization of the marine world.
