Heterocarpus ensifer is a species of deep-water shrimp. The nominate subspecies is found in the Atlantic Ocean from Spain and Madeira to Angola and from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea; other subspecies occur in the Pacific Ocean and around the Philippines and Indonesia.^[2] Despite being one of the most abundant shrimp in some areas,^[3] its biology is still poorly known.^[4] These deep water crustaceans are most copious between 300 and 400m. Their distribution demonstrates an ability to adapt well to distinct environments.^[5] It is generally found at depths of 200–885 m (656–2,904 ft).^[2]