Alabama cave shrimp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alabama cave shrimp |
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The Alabama cave shrimp (Palaemonias alabamae) is a special type of shrimp. It belongs to a group called the Atyidae family. You can only find this shrimp living in dark caves in the state of Alabama.
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Protecting the Alabama Cave Shrimp
The Alabama cave shrimp is an endangered species. This means there are very few of them left. Because of this, they are at risk of disappearing forever.
Why is it Endangered?
The IUCN Red List has listed this shrimp as endangered. The U.S. Endangered Species Act also protects it. This protection started on September 7, 1988. These lists help protect animals that are in danger.
Where the Shrimp Lives
The Alabama cave shrimp lives in only a few places. All known locations are in Madison County, Alabama.
Known Cave Homes
Scientists have found this shrimp in five different caves. Shelta Cave was the first place it was discovered. However, most shrimp now live in other caves. Good populations are found in Bobcat Cave. They also live in a group of caves including Hering Cave, Glover Cave, and Brazelton Cave.
Life in the Cave
The Alabama cave shrimp lives in cave pools. These pools often have soft, silty bottoms. The shrimp finds its food and shelter in these dark waters.
Who Eats the Shrimp?
Even in the dark, the shrimp has predators. Other cave animals hunt it for food. These include the Southern cavefish (Typhlichthys subterraneus). The Tennessee cave salamander (Gyrinophilus palleucus) also preys on it. Various crayfish species might eat them too. Sometimes, animals from outside the cave, like bullfrogs and raccoons, can also be a threat.
Shrimp Family Tree
The Alabama cave shrimp has a close relative. This relative is the Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri). The Kentucky cave shrimp lives far away in Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky.
How They Are Different
You can tell the two shrimp species apart in a few ways. The Alabama cave shrimp is usually bigger. It also has a longer rostrum. A rostrum is a pointy part on the shrimp's head. The Alabama cave shrimp's rostrum also has more spines.
