SHRIMP
FOODS
The term shrimp is used to
refer to some decapod crustaceans, although the exact animals covered can vary.
Used broadly, it may cover any of the groups with elongated bodies and a
primarily swimming mode of locomotion – chiefly Caridea and Dendrobranchiata.
In some fields, however, the term is used more narrowly, and may be restricted
to Caridea, to smaller species of either group, or to only the marine species.
Under the broader definition,shrimp may be synonymous with prawn, covering
stalk-eyed swimmingcrustaceans with long narrow muscular tails (abdomens), long
whiskers (antennae) and slender legs. They swim forwards by paddling
withswimmerets on the underside of their abdomens. Crabs and lobsters have
strong walking legs, whereas shrimp have thin fragile legs which they use
primarily for perching.
