138 HABITS OF THE PRAWN. 



then almost incessantly day and night, preparations 

 for a renewal of the wonderful operation. 



Every part of the body eyes, antennae, and 

 especially the sub-abdominal fins, to certain portions 

 of which the ova are attached in groups, and the 

 lobes of the tail are submitted to a severe rubbing 

 and brushing process. The appearance of the prawn 

 at this period is really most interesting, and, I may 

 also add, amusing. Sometimes the tail is compressed 

 inwards, beneath the body for a few seconds, and 

 then suddenly elevated and forced out with donkey- 

 like extravagance of gesture, the animal the while 

 standing upon its first pair of forcep-like feet. 



At the appointed time the shell opens at the 

 back part of the head, and the prawn becomes 

 gradually freed from its old covering. The marvel 

 lous process completed, like all its crustaceous 

 brethren, the creature becomes to a certain extent 

 helpless, and if such convenience be afforded, retires 

 for protection beneath some shell or fragment of rock, 

 from whence it soon re-appears, and repeats its 

 gymnastic exercises, which cease, however, for a few 

 days, as soon as the new coat is sufficiently 

 hardened. 



The prawn is an extremely interesting occupant 

 of an aquarium, from the fact of its being constantly 

 on the move, and also on account of the pretty blue 

 and orange markings of its many-jointed legs, and 

 the singular transparent appearance of its body. 



