description Broken-back Shrimp Overview
Broken-back shrimp is a common name applied to shrimp of the genus Hippolyte, marine crustaceans in the family Hippolytidae. The name refers to the distinctive angular bend in the abdomen that gives the body a characteristic kinked profile. These small shrimp inhabit shallow coastal waters, particularly seagrass beds and algae, where their coloration provides camouflage. Species in the genus are distributed across temperate and tropical seas worldwide and serve as prey for many fish species.
help Broken-back Shrimp FAQ
Why are some shrimp called broken-back shrimp?
The name refers to the sharp-looking bend in the abdomen, which gives the animal a kinked or broken profile. It is a common name associated especially with shrimp in the genus Hippolyte. [Hippolytidae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippolytidae)
Is broken-back shrimp one species or a whole group?
It is a common name, not one single species. The term is used for members of the genus Hippolyte and is also applied more broadly to shrimp in the family Hippolytidae. [Hippolyte](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippolyte_%28crustacean%29)
Where do broken-back shrimp live?
Many Hippolyte species live in shallow coastal water among seaweed, algae, or seagrass, where their shape and color help them blend into the vegetation. Hippolyte varians, for example, is also known as the chameleon shrimp because its appearance can vary with its surroundings. [Hippolyte varians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippolyte_varians)
Are broken-back shrimp the same as cleaner shrimp?
Not exactly. Hippolytidae includes cleaner shrimp and anemone shrimp, but broken-back shrimp usually refers to the Hippolyte group and should not be treated as the name of one cleaner-shrimp species. [Hippolytidae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippolytidae)
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