They look as though they have been flattened on their sides. They have bodies that are curved in a crescent shape although they tend to stretch out when swimming. Freshwater shrimps are a pale green in colour but look almost transparent. The male shrimps can grow up to 20mm in length but the females are much smaller.
Shrimps are very common in shallow water, living amongst plants and under stones.
The shrimps cope with fast moving water by finding shelter behind stones and amongst plants. They are masters of movement! The three pairs of limbs on the thorax are used for walking, the tail is used for swimming and the last three pairs of bristly limbs are used for jumping. This allows the shrimp to make a quick getaway in most circumstances!
Detritivore - Their main food source is dead plants and animals.
Unfortunately there are lots of pressures being placed on the freshwater habitats of the National Park. When drinking water is taken from the rivers this reduces their flow and has an impact on the plants and animals that can survive in the river. Other threats come from pollution as well as the recreational pressures of fishing and boating.
Why not make a garden pond and attract freshwater shrimps into your garden!