# Shrimp (*Scolanthus shrimp*) Shrimp are small sea creatures with long, curved bodies and lots of legs. They live in the ocean and are tasty treats for many animals. - **Category:** [Invertebrate](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/invertebrate) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Coastal areas - **Also known as:** Prawn ![Shrimp](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424456/objects/6409.jpg) ## Appearance The Scolanthus shrimp is a slender, segmented insect with a flattened body, typically appearing in translucent grays or greens. It has large, dark compound eyes and long, delicate antennae that extend from its head. Its distinctive curled abdomen gives it a shrimp-like appearance. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Cnidaria - **Class:** Malacostraca - **Order:** Decapoda - **Family:** Penaeidae ## Interesting facts - Despite its name, this 'shrimp' is a true insect, more related to grasshoppers than ocean creatures! - Some Scolanthus shrimp can slightly change their body color to match their surroundings! - They use special bristly legs to filter tiny food particles right out of the water! - This tiny insect can regrow lost legs and even antennae if they get damaged! ## Special abilities - **Rapid Retreat:** Scolanthus shrimp can dart backward quickly by flicking its segmented abdomen, which helps it escape sudden aquatic threats. - **Camouflage Body:** Scolanthus shrimp has a semi-transparent exoskeleton, allowing it to blend seamlessly into submerged vegetation and avoid predators. - **Vibration Sense:** Scolanthus shrimp uses its long, sensitive antennae to detect vibrations and chemical changes in the water, helping it locate food. ## Measurements & details - **Size:** 5-30 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-180 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding This insect mostly sifts tiny bits of decaying plants and algae from the water using specialized legs. - **Age differences:** Larvae primarily filter feed, while adults may supplement with small plant matter. - **Primary Foods:** algae, detritus, microorganisms, diatoms - **Foraging Method:** Filter feeding ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Yellow Perch](https://www.snappit.app/explore/yellow-perch) (*Perca flavescens*) — An important food source for many freshwater fish species. - **Eaten by:** Green Darner (*Anax junius*) — Larval dragonfly nymphs prey on the Scolanthus shrimp. - **Depends on:** Spirogyra Algae (*Spirogyra neglecta*) — Relies on algae for sustenance and habitat within its environment. ## Traits - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Filter Feeder](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/filter-feeder): Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low If you see a shrimp in the ocean, admire it from a distance and don't try to catch it. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Shrimp? Compare body symmetry, shells, segments, legs, tentacles and how the animal moves. Invertebrates span many unrelated groups, so start with body structure. Invertebrate Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How big is Shrimp? 5-30 mm ### How long does Shrimp live? 30-180 days ### What does Shrimp eat? This insect mostly sifts tiny bits of decaying plants and algae from the water using specialized legs. ### Where is Shrimp usually found? Coastal areas ### How does Shrimp hunt? Filter feeding ### How many legs does Shrimp have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Greater Cleveland Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/greater-cleveland-aquarium-ohio) — Ohio, US · Aquarium - [Belle Isle Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/belle-isle-aquarium-us) — US · Aquarium - [Maria Mitchell Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/maria-mitchell-aquarium) — Massachusetts, US · Zoo - [Maui Ocean Center](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/maui-ocean-center-hawaii) — Hawaii, US · Aquarium [View all places to see Shrimp](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/shrimp) ## More Invertebrate - [Coral](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coral) - [Crab Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/crab-spider) (*Mecaphesa asperata*) - [Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Araneus diadematus*) - [Brown Recluse Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-recluse-spider) (*Loxosceles reclusa*) --- Source: [Shrimp: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shrimp)