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Our current understanding is that it is the same species as found throughout the Pacific -based on morphology. This is not surprising given they have larvae that develop in brackish or saltwater, and should therefore be quite easily transported between islands through the Pacific. However I'm recently started a project collaborating with shrimp taxonomists in France, looking at the genetic linkages amongst this and other widespread species. Similar projects on other animals in the past have demonstrated that one widespread species can be a complex of closely related species. So it's entirely possible the Aussie ninja is a different species to those found elsewhere in the Pacific. I will keep everyone updated as the results come in.

Good luck with the shrimp Damien and thanks for sharing the beautiful images. I was excited when matuva joined our community and it's great to have another New Caledonian with us. A late welcome from me. When I visited your beautiful country several years ago I tried to research the freshwater inverts beforehand but couldn't find any information. It's been trickling through more recently and it's awesome to see that you do have the diversity I expected. I hope you have plans to get out collecting more native species. Why don't you show us what's around in the North Province? cheers