Florida Cave Shrimp
Palaemonetes cummingi
Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Overview
Palaemon cummingi, known as the Squirrel Chimney Cave shrimp or the Florida cave shrimp, is a threatened species of cave-dwelling shrimp in the family Palaemonidae. P. cummingi has been observed in one sinkhole called Squirrel Chimney in Alachua County, Florida near Gainesville. Although exact numbers are unknown, it is speculated that the current P. cummingi population is very small.
Palaemonetes cummingi faces severe threats from habitat destruction and water quality degradation in its limited freshwater range. Urban development and agricultural runoff have significantly reduced suitable habitat, while pollution from industrial activities continues to degrade remaining water bodies. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes.
Habitat
This freshwater shrimp inhabits shallow, slow-moving streams and springs with sandy or muddy substrates. It requires clean, well-oxygenated water with stable temperatures and minimal pollution levels.
Other threatened species in PALAEMONIDAE
Threatened in United States
Frequently asked questions
Why is Florida Cave Shrimp classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Florida Cave Shrimp live?
What are the main threats to Florida Cave Shrimp?
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