The Camel Shrimp is also known as the Hinge-beak Shrimp, Dancing Shrimp, or Candy Shrimp. It is distinguished by a moveable rostrum (beak) that is usually angled upwards. The Camel Shrimp has a variable pattern of red and white stripes on its body. The males of its species tend to have larger chelipeds (claws) than the females.

It prefers to congregate with other shrimp of its kind in rock crevasses, under overhangs, or in the coral rubble. It especially needs hiding places when it is molting. It usually tolerates other shrimp, but may nip at colonial anemones, disc anemones, and soft leather corals. It generally leaves bubble coral and stinging anemones alone.

The Camel Shrimp will accept brine shrimp, frozen or freeze-dried plankton, and flaked food.