Raptor Shrimp

Raptor Shrimp are a dangerous aquatic species found across Dekarth; they are often considered pests due to their ability to live in both salt and freshwater. The largest species of shrimp in Veska, Raptor Shrimp are known for being roughly the size of a house cat.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Raptor Shrimp are best described as having the head and claws of a lobster, but the long, serpentine tail of an eel. Their tails are long and prehensile, capable of wrapping around objects. These are typically used to tether themselves to structures or objects; such as the kelp forest that they often dwell in.
A Raptor Shrimp's head and midsection are covered in a thick carapace, while their pincers sport a pair of claws; one is larger than the other, designed to crunch and crush, while the other is smaller, sharp, and often used to pierce.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Raptor Shrimps are technically omnivorous, but are known for their predatory habits when gathered in large numbers. A group of Raptor Shrimp is called a frenzy; and a frenzy is capable of tearing apart larger prey or animals within a matter of seconds if they make the mistake of submerging themselves in the water. Raptor Shrimp often travel in these frenzies, which tear into anything they come across.
Molting raptor shrimp are often the exception of this; whenever they age or grow old enough to dislodge from their old shell, they typically isolate themselves and spend their time resembling large hermit crabs; tucking their body into hijacked shells that they use to protect themselves from predators.

Biological Cycle

Raptor Shrimp molt their shells much like most other crustaceans. This is done as their body expands in size; due to their unique shape and unarmored tail, they slip quickly from their old shell fairly easily. This leaves them very soft and vulnerable to predators; to get around this, they often seek out large shells to hide their soft bodies in.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Considered pests, Raptor Shrimp are frequently fished from the coast. Dekarti are very liberal with trawling them out from the waters. Raptor Shrimp meat is notably very flaky and soft within its shelled carapace; the tail, however, is tougher than the rest of the fish, and is fairly sweet. They are often used as food for the peasantry due to the massive amounts that can be fished from the waters.

Average Weight

5~7 Lbs

Average Length

1.5~2 Feet

Geographic Distribution

• Dekarth
• The Pinching Gulf