Branchiopods are found on all continents.
Branchiopods (BRAN-kee-oh-pods) come in a variety of forms and are difficult to define as a group. They have two pairs of antennae, both of which are uniramous (YU-neh-RAY-mus), or unbranched at their bases. They all have mouthparts that are either lacking or greatly reduced in size. The maxillipeds (mack-SIH-leh-pehds), or leglike structures that are associated with the mouth, are absent. A shiel…
Both fairy shrimps and water fleas move up and down through the water on a daily cycle. They remain protected in deeper waters during the day and swim to the surface at night to feed. Fairy shrimps swim upside down in a rhythmic motion. Water fleas use their legs to produce a constant current of water that allows them to filter food particles. The food items are collected in a groove at the base o…
Twenty-eight species of fairy shrimps are listed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Six are considered Critically Endangered or facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild; nine are Endangered or facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Ten are Vulnerable or facing a high risk of extinction in the wild; one is Lower Risk/Conservation Dependent, meaning if the conservatio…
Physical characteristics: The longtail tadpole shrimp is a large species that reaches up to 1.5 inches (40 millimeters) in length. The second maxilla is absent. Geographic range: The species is found in North America (including Hawaii but not Alaska), Central America, South America, Japan, the West Indies, the Galápagos Islands, and New Caledonia. Habitat: The longtail is the most widely di…
Physical characteristics: Common water fleas are small, measuring 0.008 to 0.1 inches (0.2 to 3 mm) in length. They are flattened from side to side. A large, folded carapace covers all but the head. They have two pairs of antennae and five pairs of leaflike limbs. Geographic range: Common water fleas are found in North America, Europe, and the cooler regions of South America. Habitat: Common water…
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