SOLITARY ISLANDS
UNDERWATER
RESEARCH GROUP, INC.

Species Index

Zenopontonia rex
(Bruce, 1967)

Distribution: Relatively common throughout the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, Japan, Hawaii. In Australia recorded from coastal Queensland and New South Wales.

Ecological Notes: Always found in association with a suitable host, including the nudibranch Hexabranchus sanguineus, sea cucumbers and sea stars.

Additional Notes: Orange body with prominent white pattern on head, back and tail. Chelipeds are orange with purple claws and joints. Colour may vary widely depending upon the host colouration. Specimen pictured is on the mantle of the spanish dancer nudibranch, Hexabranchus sanguineus. Previously known as Periclimenes imperator. Grows to 20 mm.

References: Reef Creature Identification, Tropical Pacific. Paul Humann, Ned DeLoach, New World Publications Inc, Jacksonville, Florida, USA, 2012 edition. p.126.

Atlas of Living Australia website at https://bie.ala.org.au/search?q=periclimenes+imperator. Accessed 14/11/2018.