READ: Be sure to Subscribe for more Ocean Life!
Shrimp Species: Upogebia Pugettensis
Parasite Species: Orthione Griffenis
Parasites swim into the shrimps gill flap and attaches itself to the gill flap with their legs which are located on their back’s. It holds on and slowly drains the blood and nutrients from the shrimp. The larger parasite that is pink or brown in color is the female. The small white parasite that is attached to the female is the male parasite.
These invasive parasites do not belong in this part of the world (Oregon) they are an invasive species brought over from eastern Asia. They are causing these shrimp populations to decline rapidly.
When a parasite is removed from the shrimp the parasite is either donated to scientific research facilities to help solve the invasive species problem or turned into plant compost. Either way we are taking an invasive species out of the water and putting it to good use.
According to scientific research, shrimps cannot feel pain, therefore it does not hurt the shrimp to have a parasite removed. It may cause discomfort for the shrimp to be handled, but the shrimp is better off in the long run having the parasite taken out.
A shrimp can become infected again once placed back in the water.
These parasites have not been studied very much and new information is still being uncovered.
0 Comments