Shrimps

Shrimps are small to medium-sized aquatic crustaceans belonging to the infraorder Caridea, within the order Decapoda of the class Malacostraca. They occur in a wide range of marine, estuarine, and freshwater habitats and are a major component of many food webs. In everyday language, "shrimp" and "prawn" are often used interchangeably, but biologically prawns belong to a different lineage (Dendrobranchiata); the term "shrimp" is commonly applied to caridean species.

Physically, shrimps typically have elongated bodies with a flexible abdomen, a rostrum, and a series of legs adapted for swimming and feeding. They are generally omnivorous, feeding on algae, detritus, small invertebrates, and organic matter found in the sediment or water column. Most species reproduce by laying eggs that females carry on their abdomen until hatching; larval development passes through planktonic stages before reaching juvenile form.

Shrimps are ecologically diverse: some species are free-swimming, others are benthic or ambush predators, and many undertake seasonal migrations. They are important both as prey for larger animals and as consumers of plankton and detritus. Their populations support extensive commercial fisheries and are also produced through aquaculture, notably in the genera Penaeus and Macrobrachium.

Human use and nutrition: Shrimps are a globally important seafood commodity. They are high in protein and minerals such as iodine and selenium and provide B vitamins; they are relatively low in fat but can be high in cholesterol for some diets. Allergen warnings apply to people with seafood allergies. Conservation concerns include overfishing, habitat loss, and bycatch, prompting management and sustainable farming practices in many regions.