Everything You Need to Know About Shrimp

1. There are over 25 species of shrimp that can be found all around the world. They have been in existence for millions of years and can be traced back to the time of dinosaurs.

2. Most people don't realize that seafood consumption has increased dramatically since 1970. This is mainly because shrimp production has increased exponentially.

3. In the United States alone, shrimp consume about 2 billion gallons of water each year. That's 8% of total freshwater usage.

4. A female shrimp can produce anywhere from 500,000 to 1 million eggs at a time.

5. When they're ready to spawn, shrimp release eggs into water that are called plankton. Plankton floats near the surface of the ocean where fish like to eat them.

6. Shrimps do not have teeth; instead, they use their claws to tear prey apart.

7. They have been around since the Cambrian period, making them around 500 million years old.

8. Most shrimp do not have legs, but walk using their antennae and feelers.

9. Shrimps do not have teeth, but they have two pairs of claws instead.

10. Shrimps are hermaphroditic marine animals that have a hard shell and live in shallow waters. They breathe through gills located at their sides. Shrimps are cold-blooded, which means they do not produce body heat as mammals do. Their bodies use oxygen from water instead of breathing air. There are over 2200 species of shrimps known worldwide.

11. Shrimps were originally called “prawns” but were renamed in 1828 to differentiate them from true crabs.

12. Shrimps can survive without food for several weeks but cannot survive without water for longer than 24 hours.

13. The male carries the sperms in his tail sack. When he releases them into the ocean, they swim around looking for a mate. If a female approaches him, she picks out one sperm. Then after fertilization, the egg develops inside the female's body and then hatches.

14. Shrimps are small crustaceans that have been around since the early Cambrian era – about 545 million years ago. They live in saltwater oceans, rivers, lakes, estuaries, marshes, mudflats, intertidal areas, and even freshwater bodies. There are over 4,500 known species of shrimps in the world; some can jump out of the water and others can walk on land. Shrimps have been used throughout history as food, bait, medicine, pets, and shellfish. 

15. In the wild, shrimp eat algae and other small aquatic animals.

16. Some shrimp can grow up to 2 inches long.

The Unusual Boomslang Snake

Boomslangs are venomous snakes that can reach lengths of 5-9 feet long. They have small heads with large eyes, round bodies, and long tails. Their coloration ranges from light greenish-yellow to dark brown. These snakes are native to South Africa but are now found throughout Southern Africa, including Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Madagascar. In some parts of Africa, they are considered a delicacy.

 Boomslangs are named after their characteristic rattling sound. This occurs when they strike prey and shake their tail. Boomslangs eat rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and even other snakes. Since they are venomous, boomslang bites are not usually fatal. However, if untreated, they may cause severe pain and swelling.

Boomslangs are highly poisonous snakes that have been known to kill humans if they bite them. They can be distinguished from other deadly snakes by their long and slender bodies. Their venom contains neurotoxins which affect the nervous system. They are native to Africa and were first discovered in South Africa. In some parts of Africa, boomslangs are considered a delicacy. The snake meat is served roasted over glowing coals. This is believed to bring out its flavor. There are many myths surrounding boomslangs. One myth says that if a woman touches a boomslang, she will become pregnant. Another says that if a man eats a boomslang he will experience erections while sleeping.  A boomslang's body temperature is about 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Its skin is covered in small bumps called tubercles. These bumps help the snake detect prey by sensing heat.

Boomslangs have two rows of teeth. The front row has 14-16 teeth, and the back row has 12-14 teeth. Their fangs are large and curved backward. When the snake bites, the fang breaks off, leaving only a portion of the tooth behind. Most people who are bitten by boomslangs do not die. Some victims suffer severe pain and swelling at the site of the bite. Others may develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and even cardiac arrest.

19 Crazy Cool Facts About Geckos

1. Geckos are small reptiles that have been around for millions of years. They can live on any type of surface including glass, rocks, trees, and even fire hydrants. Their diet includes insects, spiders, scorpions, centipedes, slugs, snails, worms, and other small invertebrates.

2. A gecko's skin has tiny scales called granules. These granules line the outside of the body making them waterproof and allowing them to shed water off their bodies.

3. When a gecko wants to move from one place to another using what is known as a "gecko step". This involves raising the back foot slightly off the ground and then pushing forward with the front feet. The gecko uses its tail to help balance.

4. Most geckos are nocturnal but some species are diurnal. Diurnal means they are active during the day while nocturnal means they are active at night.

5. There are over 200 different species of geckos worldwide.

6. Geckos are native to South America, Mexico, Central America, northern Africa, southern Europe, and western Asia.

7. Geckos are reptiles that have adapted well to living in the desert environment. They possess many traits that enable them to survive in this harsh climate. Their ability to climb vertical surfaces allows them to escape predators, and their small size makes them easy prey. However, they can easily adapt to different environments and thrive wherever they find themselves.

8. Geckos are nocturnal animals. This means that they sleep during the day and wake at night. Nocturnality is a trait that evolved over millions of years and has been passed down through gecko species.

9. Geckos are extremely territorial. A male gecko will defend his territory against other males from neighboring territories. He will even attack intruders who try to enter his home. Females do not usually fight off males; instead, they use their body heat to keep males away.

10. Lizards eat insects, spiders, worms, mollusks, and snakes. They are opportunistic carnivores, meaning that they will take whatever food they can get. Some people believe that geckos may enjoy eating insects.

11. Geckos lay eggs once a year, although they may lay several times a year if conditions are right. When geckos mate, they will often perform a courtship ritual where they will rub each other's bodies together. After mating, the female will lay her eggs in a protected location, such as under rocks, logs, or crevices.

12. Geckos can change color to match their surroundings. They can turn completely black, white, brown, yellow, red, green, blue, purple, pink, orange, gray, or any combination of these colors. If the gecko does not want to blend into its background, it will cover itself with a layer of sticky saliva.

14. Geckos are amazing animals that have been around for over 200 million years, and they can survive in just about any environment. They are known to live in deserts, rainforests, urban areas, and even houses! Their survival skills include being able to run up vertical walls and hang from ceilings.

15. Geckos need moisture to stay alive. If their habitat dries out, they'll die. Geckos don't drink water; they get their moisture from food sources like insects and spiders.

16. Geckos eat cockroaches, centipedes, crickets, ants, and other small insects. You may have seen a gecko eating a bug before, but did you know that geckos can spit? When they're ready to eat, they'll stick out their tongue and flick off a stream of saliva onto the insect. This sticky substance helps them grab hold of their prey.

17. Geckos are nocturnal, meaning they spend their days sleeping and their nights active. During the day, they go into a state called torpor, where their body temperature drops down to match the cooler temperatures outside.

18. Geckos have incredible hearing and eyesight. Some species have eyes that are almost 1/10th the size of ours! They use these organs to help them navigate through their environments, locate mates, and find food.

19. Geckos are extremely agile. They can jump 10 times their length and can even climb smooth surfaces upside-down.

The Many Faces of the Scorpion

The scorpion family is divided into two subfamilies; the Buthidae (true scorpions) and the Chactidae (false scorpions). Many different species of scorpions can be found throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and even Antarctica. Scorpions are considered arthropods, meaning they have jointed legs and a hard exoskeleton. They are covered in spines, which protect them from predators. They are also known for their venomous stings, which contain neurotoxins that paralyze prey, making it easier for the scorpion to eat its meal.

Scorpions belong to the order Scorpiones, which means they are related to spiders. True scorpions have eight segments in their bodies, while false scorpions only have six. Most scorpions in North America live in deserts and dry grasslands, but some species live in tropical rainforests. The largest number of scorpions lives in Mexico.

True scorpions are usually brownish-red, orange, black, yellow, or white. Their body size ranges from 2 - to 5 inches long. Some species have tails longer than their bodies. False scorpions vary in color from tan to yellow. Their body sizes range from 1 - to 4 inches long.

Scorpions can live anywhere from 2 months to 10 years depending on their species. Most scorpion species are nocturnal hunters, but some species may hunt at night while others prefer daytime hunting. Some scorpions will even hunt during the day if they sense danger. There are over 200 true scorpion species in North America. Most of these species live in the southwestern United States. However, not all scorpions are poisonous. Many scorpions use their stingers to defend themselves against other animals. Others use their poison to catch insects or small rodents. Only some scorpions inject toxins into their victims.

Some of the most common scorpions in North America include:

 • Black scorpion

1. Scorpions are arachnids that belong to the class Araneae (spiders). There are over 2,000 species of scorpion worldwide, but only about 30 of these are venomous, including 10 that can inflict serious harm. They are found in almost all tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

2. Scorpions have eight legs, two pairs of pincers at the front end, and a tail ending with a stinger. Their bodies are covered with short hairs called setae.

3. Scorpions are divided into three groups based on their lifestyle: hunters, scavengers, and parasites. Hunters are active predators that hunt other animals, while scavengers feed off dead animals. Parasites live off of insects and other small creatures.

4. Scorpions use their stings to kill prey. The stinger has two barbs, each containing a poison gland. When the scorpion is ready to sting its victim, it wraps its body around the prey and releases the toxin from the glands. This causes muscle spasms, paralysis, and eventually death.

5. Scorpions eat smaller invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and even mammals. They are opportunistic predators that usually avoid humans unless they become trapped in some way.

6. Scorpions are typically nocturnal. They spend most of their time underground, hiding in burrows or under logs and rocks. They come out in search of food during daylight hours.

7. Scorpions are predators and scavengers. They eat small animals and sometimes larger ones too. Scorpions are known to prey upon small rodents, frogs, lizards, snakes, birds, and occasionally humans. If they feel threatened, they will use their stinger to defend themselves. A scorpion's sting is a neurotoxin that paralyzes its victim and causes them to die slowly.

8. There are over 1,000 different species of scorpions worldwide, with many more still undiscovered. They come in a variety of colors including black, brown, red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, white, gray, pink, and combinations thereof.

9. Scorpions are often confused with spiders due to their similar appearance. However, they can easily be distinguished by their pincers instead of spider webs. Scorpions have six eyespots on each side of their head, while spiders only have four. Also, scorpions' tails are much longer than spiders'.

10. Scorpions can be identified by their distinct pattern of stripes or bands on their bodies. These patterns vary among species but are always visible. Scorpions are usually striped along their back and sides, but not always.

Boglen Terrier - The Ideal Family Dog

Bogles are small dogs that were bred from the Spanish dog breed called the Terreta de Guipuzcoa (TG). They are known for their intelligence and gentle disposition. This breed was developed over hundreds of years and has been used for hunting, herding, guarding livestock, and pulling carts. Bogles can be any color except black. Their coat comes in several different colors including white, tan, red, fawn, brindle, blue, and chocolate. Bogles have a short muzzle, round ears, and a bushy tail. They weigh between 15-and 25 pounds and stand about 12 inches tall at the shoulder.

Bogles are good watchdogs because they are very loyal and devoted to their owners. They love children and other animals but do not like cats or other pets. Bogles are great family companions and make wonderful therapy dogs. They are friendly and affectionate towards strangers and can easily adjust to almost any environment. 

Bogles live anywhere from 10 to 14 years. Bogles are a breed of dog that originated in Ireland in the early 19th century. They were originally bred as hunting dogs but have since become popular as companions and pets. Bogles are known for their gentle nature and intelligence. Their name comes from the Irish Gaelic word bog leine meaning “little brown dog”. This was given to them because they resemble a small brown fox terrier. They are not related to any other breeds, although they do share some traits with both the Fox Terrier and Poodle.

They can weigh between 20-and 30 pounds and stand about 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Bogles have long ears, round eyes, and a short tail. They can range between 30-and 50 lbs at maturity. They have a coat that varies in color from black, white, fawn, red, tan, and brindle. Their coat is long and silky, with thick fur that comes in shades of brown, black, and grey. Their heads are large and triangular with pointed ears that stick straight out. Bogles are active, alert, and intelligent dogs who love people and attention. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, but they also enjoy playing games like Frisbee, fetching sticks, and digging holes. They are extremely loyal and gentle towards other animals. They get along well with cats, rabbits, and other small animals.

The Black Mamba: An Animal to be Respected

The Black Mamba has been known for its ability to kill humans since ancient times. This venomous snake can deliver a fatal dose of neurotoxins that cause paralysis and respiratory failure. Toxins are mainly composed of three compounds: alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BGT), beta-bungarotoxins (beta-BGT), and gamma-bungarotxins (gamma-BGT). Alpha-BGT binds to acetylcholine receptors in the motor nerve endings while beta-BGT blocks the release of neurotransmitters from presynaptic membranes. Gamma-BGT is believed to inhibit calcium channels in muscle cells.

Here are 12 interesting facts about Black Mambas.

1. Black mambas are not venomous snakes. They can however kill if they bite you. Black mambas, like other cobras, are non-venomous constrictors that use their fangs to subdue prey. There are two species of black mambas; the common black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) and the Mozambique black mamba (D. Mozambique). Both are endemic to South Africa and have similar diets but differ in appearance. The male has a yellowish body and head while the female has a browner body and darker head. Their range extends from southern Angola through Namibia and Botswana into northern Zimbabwe and Zambia.

2. Black mambas prefer warm climates and thrive best in areas with abundant rainfall. They are most active at night and are usually found near water sources. Black mambas may be encountered anywhere where they find food. When threatened, they raise their heads high above the ground, open their mouths wide, and hiss loudly. The hissing sound is produced by a special organ located inside the upper jaw called the laryngotracheal sac. This organ contains air pockets that vibrate rapidly. The vibrations produce a loud noise that sounds much louder than the snake's actual voice.

3. Black mambas eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, crustaceans, insects, and even some fruits and vegetables. They are opportunistic predators and will attack any animal that gets too close. They are known for being extremely aggressive towards humans and will strike at anything that comes close. If provoked, they may coil around their victim and squeeze until they die.

4. Black mambas do not hibernate. Instead, they seek out warmer temperatures after the winter rains. In the summer months, they are often seen sunning themselves along roadsides or under large trees.

5. Black mambas live about 5 years in the wild. They reach sexual maturity between 2 and 4 years old. Females lay eggs year-round, but the average clutch size ranges from 20 to 40 eggs. Eggs hatch in about 60 days. Young black mambas are born blind and naked. They grow rapidly and are independent in 6 weeks. Mothers who do not usually live with them, leave them alone.

6. Black mambas can be identified by their distinctive markings. On both sides of their bodies, they have dark stripes running down their bellies. These markings help identify individual snakes. Each snake has its unique pattern and coloration.

7. Black Mambas can live anywhere from 15-20 years. They eat mainly rodents and other small animals. They like to stay in dark areas where they feel safe from predators. Their diet consists of about 50% rodents and 50% reptiles.

8. Black Mambas come in two different colors; white and yellow. White ones are usually younger than yellow ones. The yellow ones are bigger and stronger than the white ones.

9. Black Mambas have no natural enemies. No known disease affects them.

10. Black Mambas live in Africa and South America.

11. Black Mambas sometimes travel long distances to find food. They use their sense of smell to locate prey. Some people say that they can detect the human scent and follow it.

12. There are no known treatments for black mamba bites. However, if you survive the initial attack, you should seek immediate medical attention. You can expect to receive treatment at the hospital where you were bitten. Your doctor will monitor your condition closely until you recover completely.

12 Things You Didn't Know About Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are venomous snakes that have been around since prehistoric times. They are found throughout North America, Central America, South America, and parts of Europe and Asia. There are over 100 different species of rattlesnakes, but only 6 of them are considered dangerous. These include the Copperhead, Timber rattlesnake, Western diamondback rattlesnake, Southern copperhead, Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, and the Mojave rattlesnake. Rattlesnakes can be identified by their triangular-shaped head, large fangs, and rattle on their tail. Although they may appear harmless, they are aggressive and should never be approached. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

1. Rattlesnakes are venomous snakes that have been around since prehistoric times. They can be found throughout North America, South America, Central America, Mexico, and even parts of Europe. If they are threatened, they will try to escape by slithering away. Their bite is extremely dangerous, but not fatal if treated right away.

2. Rattlesnakes come in many different sizes and colors. Some rattlesnakes are small enough to fit into your hand while others are large enough to swallow a human whole! There are more than 100 species of rattlesnakes, including Copperhead, Water Moccasin, Timber Rattler, Western Diamondback, and Eastern Coral Snake.

3. Rattlesnakes do not eat meat, but instead, they eat insects, lizards, amphibians, birds, fish, and other reptiles. They will sometimes eat rodents, too. The venom from their fangs is what kills their prey. The venom contains chemicals called neurotoxins that destroy nerve cells and cause severe pain. This paralysis can last for hours or days.

4. Rattlesnakes use their rattle to warn predators that they are poisonous. When a predator approaches, the snake will shake its tail, making loud noises that echo through the forest. These sounds help the snake's prey know that they should run for safety.

5. Rattlesnake has two types of glands: Anal Glands and Venom Glands. The back glands produce a clear substance that helps them cleanse themselves after release. The venom glands contain toxins that protect the snake against predators.

6. Rattlesnakes cannot move backward, forwards, sideways, or upside down without using their tails. They can only move forward, backward, or side-to-side. They can swim, climb trees, and burrow underground.

7. A rattlesnake has been known to kill over 100 people per year. Rattlesnakes are dangerous animals that can cause serious injuries and even death. They have venom glands located in their fangs and they use these glands to inject their venom into their prey. A snake’s bite can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and infection. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

8. Rattlesnake bite symptoms vary depending on what type of snake was involved. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, redness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and difficulty breathing. Most people who get bit by rattlesnakes do not experience any serious side effects, however, if the venom enters through a cut or wound, then this could lead to infection.

9. Rattlesnakes use their tails to warn predators of their presence. This warning is called a rattle. When threatened, the rattlesnake will shake its tail rapidly from side to side. In addition, rattlesnakes are known to hiss to scare off potential prey.

10. Rattlesnakes have many different ways to defend themselves against predators. One way is by using their fangs to inject venom into their victim. Another method is by constricting the victim’s blood vessels. A third defense mechanism is by wrapping their body around their prey and squeezing until death occurs.

11. Rattlesnakes cannot swim and therefore rely on the land to move about. However, some species can climb trees and run across bodies of water.

12. Rattlesnakes eat a variety of animals including lizards, frogs, mice, birds, fish, small mammals, and even other snakes. Their diet consists mainly of rodents, amphibians, reptiles, and insects.