The Monkey Shrimp, a.k.a. Saron or Buffalo Shrimp, is a small compact shrimp that is colored in spots and stripes of brown, tan, white, and green. These shrimp prefer lots of rockwork and to be kept in groups. The Monkey Shrimp has an extended pair of front legs along with a small hump on their tail. They will not harm other aquarium inhabitants , unless provoked, and will search for food at night.Shrimp belong to the Class Crustacean and Order Decapoda, which is characterized by two pair of antennae, three body parts, and five pairs of legs. The head of Shrimp is connected to the thorax and covered by a shell called carapace. The antennae of Shrimp are normally long and thin and serve the Shrimp as extended eyes. Shrimp have highly developed abdomens which allows for quick movement. In order for Shrimp to grow they need to shed their exoskeleton, a process called "molting", which allows them to remove their restricting shell and begin a new one. Often times in the home aquarium Shrimp will leave this translucent shell in full view so it can serve as a distraction while the Shrimp finds a hiding place and allows its new shell to harden.
