Shrimp ID

[tyler1503]

Hi everyone.
Here in NSW Australia we get these little guys in estuaries, lakes, shallow waters etc. They live under the sand in tunnels and you have to use a bait pump to get them out. They're one of the best live baits you can use for quite a list of fish.
Anyways, I'm wanting to know if I could get an ID as they're really cool little shrimp. We call them pink nippers but I was hoping for a scientific name.
I'll try to get better pics when I have a chance to go out and collect some.
Thanks

 

[ARH_Aquarist]

I believe it's a Stephenson’s Mantis Shrimp, Harpiosquilla stephensoni

 

[Bongo Shrimp]

No the head and eyes are characteristics of a Thalassinidea shrimp aka ghost mud shrimp. It is likely Pestarella tyrrhena or a closely related species.

 

[tyler1503]

Thanks guys!
Your right bongo, I believe it to be a very closely related species, but I would 100% say same genus.
Does anyone know if it's possible to keep these guys in captivity without a DSB?

 

[Bongo Shrimp]

Being that it is a mud/sand burrowing species, you would definitely need a dsb. I mean it doesn't need to be 6" deep but probably at least 3"-4". Divers Den recently had two for sale and also noted that a dsb would be required. If you do end up putting them in an aquarium, don't expect to see them often. Those tiny eyes and that rather large, white, body indicates that this thing probably doesn't see the light of day too often.