Animal Spotlight
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Nature’s Cutest Recyclers
A social species that prefers to be in groups of at least six, cherry shrimp are actually found in a wide range of colors — not just red as the name would suggest. Growing to be 3-4 cm as adults, these decapods (which translates as 10-footed) have five pairs of walking legs, a pair of chelate claws used to grab food, three pairs of jaw legs used for feeding, and five additional legs for swimming.
Cherry shrimp can secrete a useful type of mucus from their skin that allows them to move faster through the water, while providing protection from various parasites and infections.
Habitat
Freshwater streams, usually in tropical areas in Taiwan
Diet
Detritus, but primarily biofilm feeders
Predators
Crabs, carnivorous shrimp, and large fish
Conservation Status
Unknown
Phylum
Arthropod
Meet the Neighbors
Cherry shrimp share their home in the MORPH’D gallery with an array of other species, from the popular electric eel to intriguing mudskippers, and peculiar paddlefish.
Poison Dart Frog
Bright, bold, and toxic, poison dart frogs use a little bit of color to make a big statement.
Electric Eel
With a long, snake-like body, electric eels are not considered true eels.
Mudskipper
Wonderful with some wild moves, these fish out of water are evolutionary wonders.
Paddlefish
Boneless, scaleless fish that can grow to be up to 7 feet long and weigh as much as 200 pounds.
Ready to Visit?
From the colorful to the camouflaged, the slightly slimy to the super smooth, each animal in MORPH’D presented by PAR® tells a story of survival.