Happy National Shrimp Day: Here Are 6 Fun Facts About Shrimp

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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!