Shrimply Science: A Look at the Superb Pink Shrimp

A pink shrimp.

by Sydney Dandridge

My name is Sydney Dandridge and I am a Fall Environmental Education intern on the Eco-Vessel. I help lead Eco-Tours, run field trips, conduct fishing workshops, and even assist in snorkel charters! My main goal is to help educate everyone on the magnificent biodiversity of the Tampa Bay Estuary, and bring attention to the importance of restoration and conservation. One animal that we often forget about is the shrimp, and specifically the pink shrimp. Although not the largest and prettiest to look at, they are very unique and crucial to the ecosystem!

In the Tampa Bay Estuary the pink shrimp is the most abundant species of shrimp that is collected. Generally, these shrimp are found in warm coastal waters and estuaries within seagrass beds, sand, shells, or even mud. Despite their small size they are very important to the ecosystem as they are both a predator and prey. Pink shrimp feed mainly on zooplankton, algae, and other small organisms keeping those populations balanced. But, pink shrimps also provide commercially important fish, birds, and larger invertebrates with a source of nutrients. The pink shrimp’s predator and prey role cycles nutrients through the food web which helps to keep a healthy ecological relationship and encourage biodiversity!

Pink shrimp are also great indicators of ecosystem health, known as an indicator species! These special shrimp need specific conditions to thrive. An increase or decrease of pink shrimp populations can help scientists identify changes in environmental conditions which makes them useful for monitoring the health of the ecosystem. Observing pink shrimp populations can help pinpoint negative sources such as pollution, or positive sources such as healthy salinity (amount of salt in the water).

Other than environmental and commercial importance, pink shrimp have behaviors and adaptations that make them even more unique organisms. Pink shrimp have a behavioral adaptation where they bury themselves in the sediment during the day, and travel at night in order to avoid predation. This behavior is even seen in smaller pink shrimp who bury themselves to keep warm during cold temperatures! They also have a special way of swimming. Unlike a fish who has fins, shrimps swim by moving their abdomen towards their carapace (body) in a fast motion. The pink shrimp is able to shoot through the water with quick bursts of energy, but because of their body shape they have to swim backwards.

If time allows I highly encourage you to go out on one of our Eco-Tours where you can have the opportunity to see this unique creature up close, or have the chance to handle these animals in our fishing workshops. More importantly attend an Eco-Tour to learn more about the Tampa Bay Estuary so we can continue to protect the Bay!