The Atyid Shrimp
About the Atyid Shrimp
The Atyid Shrimp is whitish overall with some internal red pigment cells (chromatophores). The eyes are also pigmented and are directed upward through the orbit (eye socket). The walking legs are long and slender, and there is a long, simple, spine-like rostrum, but no spines exist on the smooth body surface (carapace). They can be found in the brackish water of a sand and silt-bottomed pool in a single, anchialine, limestone cave. Specimens have been collected at a depth of 12 m.
Reproduction
The reproduction of this animal is very interesting. After a few years, the male shrimp will change into a female shrimp. They reproduce sexually. The female can only mate after it has moulted. Then, it will start laying eggs. The number of eggs that a female can produce can be more than 25,000. Some species will only mate for a short time.
The Atyid Shrimp is whitish overall with some internal red pigment cells (chromatophores). The eyes are also pigmented and are directed upward through the orbit (eye socket). The walking legs are long and slender, and there is a long, simple, spine-like rostrum, but no spines exist on the smooth body surface (carapace). They can be found in the brackish water of a sand and silt-bottomed pool in a single, anchialine, limestone cave. Specimens have been collected at a depth of 12 m.
Reproduction
The reproduction of this animal is very interesting. After a few years, the male shrimp will change into a female shrimp. They reproduce sexually. The female can only mate after it has moulted. Then, it will start laying eggs. The number of eggs that a female can produce can be more than 25,000. Some species will only mate for a short time.