There are two commonly seen species of Chameleon shrimp in NZ. They generally match the colour of the seaweed they live on, but can have variably coloured stripes and spots. They look hunchbacked as they have a distinct bend in the abdomen.

Usually found in rock pools in the low intertidal zone and on rocky reefs in the shallow subtidal zone. They are always associated with seeweed.

As scavengers, they feed on dead and dying material, but may occasionally eat other small animals.

Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos can be purchased from https://www.rodmorris.co.nz/