This
book explores the biology of decapod shrimps, a group of animals known to most
people as a nutritious and tasty food item. Shrimps are amazingly diverse in
size, shape, coloration, behavior and natural history. Shrimp fisheries and
aquaculture are a vital part of the USA and world economies. These crustaceans
are key ecological and food-web components of marine and freshwater habitats.
The book synthesizes information on the taxonomic and ecological diversity of
shrimps, the structure and function of shrimp anatomy, antifouling adaptations,
coloration and camouflage, reproductive biology, sexual systems, mating systems
and behavior, life history strategies, symbioses between shrimps and other
organisms, shrimp fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the evolution and
phylogeny of shrimps. All chapters are written within an adaptational and
evolutionary perspective. Important questions about shrimp biology are asked,
and hypotheses for testing in future research are proposed. The book is spiced
up with personal anecdotes and observations from the author’s research
experiences.
This
book is intended as a comprehensive reference, a “go to” book about the biology
of shrimps. The text is scientifically rigorous but written in a style intended
for a varied readership. Thus, the book is a valuable resource for budding or
working research scientists such as zoologists, aquatic biologists, fisheries
and aquaculture professionals, as well as amateur naturalists, aquarium
hobbyists and interested laypersons. As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a
thousand words,” so that the book is amply illustrated with figures and
diagrams.The numerous color plates, composed of photos contributed by expert
colleagues, make the world of shrimps come alive.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-20966-6