Rare ‘floating shrimp’ clouds delight Hong Kong skywatchers

Hong Kong’s skies recently showcased a stunning meteorological rarity—horseshoe vortex clouds, whimsically dubbed "floating shrimp" by netizens due to their curved, crustacean-like shape. 

From ‘wigs’ to ‘dolphins’: netizens go wild over bizarre cloud shapes

The Hong Kong Observatory shared images of the phenomenon on its Facebook page on June 22, playfully labeling them "SSR-level clouds," which references the gaming term "Superior Super Rare" for their rarity.

The clouds, photographed by residents on June 10, appeared as delicate, horseshoe-shaped wisps suspended mid-air. 

HKO explains the magic behind the elusive horseshoe vortex cloud

According to the Observatory, these fleeting formations—officially termed horseshoe vortex clouds—are short-lived and exceptionally uncommon. The post linked to the World Meteorological Organization’s International Cloud Atlas, which describes them as "rare, relatively short-lived tubular cloudlets, typically shaped like the letters n, c, or u, resembling a horseshoe."

Social media erupted with amusement and awe. One user joked, "Whose wig blew into the sky?", while another marveled, "So magical! Turns out ‘floating shrimp’ really exist in the sky." 

Many praised nature’s artistry, calling the clouds "SSR-tier" in rarity. A netizen named Star Cammy, who captured the spectacle in Tseung Kwan O, confirmed the sighting occurred between 6.50pm and 7pm on June 10.

HK's history of bizarre and beautiful sky phenomena

This isn’t the first time Hong Kong has witnessed such clouds. 

In 2021, the Observatory shared similar images taken in Tai Po, explaining that the formations arise when a horseshoe-shaped vortex distorts cumulus clouds. Back then, reactions ranged from "It’s a leaping dolphin!" to "Looks like dentures" and "That’s someone’s hairstyle."