Squirrel Chimney Cave shrimp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Palaemonetes cummingi |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Palaemonidae
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| Genus: |
Palaemonetes
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| Species: |
P. cummingi
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| Binomial name | |
| Palaemonetes cummingi Chace, 1954
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The Palaemonetes cummingi is a very special type of shrimp. It is also known as the Florida cave shrimp or Squirrel Chimney cave shrimp. This tiny creature lives only in dark, underground caves. It is part of the Palaemonidae family.
What Does It Look Like?
The Florida cave shrimp is usually about 30 mm (1.2 in) long. That's about the size of a paperclip! It is almost completely clear, so it is hard to see. This shrimp has a long, pointy nose called a rostrum. It also has no color in its eyes. This is common for animals that live in dark caves.
Where Does It Live?
This unique shrimp lives in only one place in the world. It can be found in a single flooded cave in Alachua County, Florida. This means it is endemic to that one spot. Another shrimp, P. paludosus, is related to it. That shrimp is bigger, up to 48 mm (1.9 in), and has longer second legs.
Why Is It in Danger?
The Florida cave shrimp is the only cave shrimp found in Florida. It has only ever been seen at one location. Sadly, it has not been seen there since 1973. Because of this, it is listed as a critically endangered species. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. It is also a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This law helps protect animals that are in danger.
There might be other caves with these shrimp that we do not know about yet. However, new buildings and roads are being built around Gainesville, Florida. This urban development can harm the caves. Also, a fish called the redeye chub (Notropis harperi) has been introduced into the caves. These things threaten the shrimp's survival. It is possible the species may already be gone.
