[5] Although they lack eyes, Rimicaris exoculata has a high concentration of rhodopsin within a dorsal "eyespot" located beneath a transparent cuticle on their carapace.

[10] Rimicaris exoculata is a prevalent species found on active hydrothermal edifices at deep-sea vents of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge,[4] with the ability to survive depths of up to 3600 meters.

[7] R. exoculata tends to stick near the hydrothermal fluid escaping the vents, where steep thermal and chemical gradients are expected,[5] often occurring in clusters of thousands of individuals.

[12] The Rimicaris exoculata hydrothermal vent shrimp has a unique adaptation in the form of an enlarged gill chamber, which houses a complex trophic epibiotic community.

[14] These larvae undergo a unique larval development, with a primary lecithotrophic stage followed by an extended planktotrophic period, allowing for a vast potential for dispersion.

[13] The larvae disperse within bathypelagic waters, feeding on pelagic food items until they reach a large post-larval stage and return to a benthic and chemosynthetic lifestyle at vents.