This Emperor Shrimp's Colors Are So Astounding (4 Photos)

The emperor shrimp is a small commensal shrimp, about a 3/4-inch in length. It's an interesting creature that forms symbiotic relationships in order to maximize its chance of survival. This species of shrimp can also be kept in a home aquarium but is not a great choice for beginner aquarium-keepers.

Emperor shrimp are the rare muck subject that actually tends to live with a pleasant background behind them—often making a home on a nudibranchs or colorful sea slug. As photographers, this colorful negative space is way better than the usual sand and silt! Make sure to have strobes to really make these guy's colors "pop."