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Happy National Shrimp Day!
While National Shrimp Day is usually a day to celebrate the dishes that are made using these interesting little creatures, we decided it would be a good day to share a few fun facts about shrimp.
One: They Like to Clean (er, Eat)
Many species of shrimp spend their time cleaning the inside of fish mouths. But it’s not just a fun hobby, these tiny creatures feed on the bacteria that live inside the mouths of other fish.
Two: They Protect
Some species of shrimp defend coral polyps as a part of a symbiotic relationship. The coral needs the protection of the shrimp from other predators. And, in return, the shrimp feed on mucus produced by the coral.
Three: Shrimp Trawlers Harm Many Animals
Shrimp trawlers create a large amount of deadly bycatch. Many sea turtles, dolphins, fish, and other animals die in the nets of shrimp trawlers around the world.
Four: They Populate
Shrimp reproduce rapidly. Sometimes a female shrimp can be seen with a newly fertilized batch of eggs in as little as one hour after laying her clutch.
Five: They Die, Young,
Shrimp can live between 1 to 2 years in the right conditions.
Six: There’s A Ton Of Them Out There
Only 20 species of shrimp are commercially collected. However, there are over 200 known species of shrimp in our oceans.
Enjoy the holiday and save a shrimp!