The Skrimp

### Description

The Skrimp was given its name by its tendency to collect rocks, lost jewelry, and sea glass. The Skrimp collects objects it finds while sifting through the sea floor sand, collecting and storing them, similar to the definition of "skrimp" when humans use it as an insult. Thanks to its hard shell and lack of proper meat, the Skrimp has no known predators, only being at risk while it is young.

### Behavior

The Skrimp is ultimately an algivore, consisting almost strictly off of algae it eats off rocks. This is what explains the Skrimp's tendency to collect rocks and other similar objects. These items the Skrimp collects are often referred to as "memorabilia" due to the Skrimps other tendency to store and pile all objects it finds. It is unknown exactly why the Skrimp decides to do this, but it is believed that the Skrimps do it so they do not find objects they have already consumed the algae off of.

Due to their hard shell, Skrimps are almost completely immune to predation, only perishing due to old age, sickness, or starvation. Although immune to predation later in life, young Skrimps are excluded due to the 3 week period their shells are soft. It is during this period that Blackfin Rakes are able to feed on baby Skrimps.

Skrimps have a very clear and discernable culture within their social interactions, with their perception of their family members being dependent on a few factors. Often while hiding in their memorabilia, the Skrimps can find themselves collecting moss or algae. Skrimps who return to their parent Skrimps to form families can often be found eating the algae off of older Skrimps. It is presumed that this is a show of love for the creatures, and that the cleaner a Skrimp, the more loved it is. Despite this notion, the Skrimp is clearly a kind creature, and is often found cleaning the algae from Skrimps in the surrounding area, regardless of whether or not they are a part of their family.

### Anatomy

##### Head

The head of the Skrimp consists of two large whiskers that extend from the front plate of the crustacean. Stationed above these two whiskers are two eyes that protrude from the top of the shell. Underneath the front plate, is the mouth of the Skrimp; a specialized suckermouth for consuming algae.

##### Shell

The shell of a Skrimp consists of many plates that are held tightly to the body of the Skrimp. The only discernable difference between these plates is the head and the tail, with the head containing whiskers and eyes, and the tail being made from a similar material as lobster tails. The shell is also consistently patterned with what appears to be moss, allowing it the opportunity to hide within its memorabilia if needed.

##### Under-armor

The underside of a Skrimp is where most of the intrigue arises, as Skrimps appear to have 10 total legs, each with 3 opposable joints and claw like tips. Although unknown, it is hypothesized that the claw-tips are used by the Skrimp to attach to heavier objects in opposition of ocean currents. There is currently no proper evidence to back this hypothesis, so it has been all but denied by the scientific community.

##### Tail

The tail of the Skrimp is almost exactly reminiscent of a lobster's tail, even holding the eggs underneath it if the Skrimp is female. When viewing the Skrimp's tail, it is possible to see that the tail consists of two smaller fins that resemble a lobster, with a center plate of the same material the shell is made from. This is most likely there to better protect the eggs from possible predators.

### Reproduction

Skrimps reproduce quite simply, mating for life and spawning anywhere from 1-6 litters of 30-40 skrimps. Although survival rate is not high for baby Skrimps, the surviving Skrimp young will often return to the location of their birthing, where they interact with other Skrimps from their "family". This unique form of social connectiveness is rarely seen in other species, and shows evidence that Skrimps may be intelligent beyond their proven stupidity.