Thamnocephalidae
This record describes Thamnocephalidae (family). Recorded order: Anostraca.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Branchiopoda
- Order
- Anostraca (Brine Shrimp and Fairy Shrimp)
- Family
- Thamnocephalidae
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About Brine Shrimp and Fairy Shrimp: the wider group
Order-level background for Anostraca, the group containing Thamnocephalidae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Anostraca (fairy shrimp and brine shrimp) includes ~300 described species. Brine shrimp (Artemia) eggs can survive complete desiccation for decades - NASA has even hatched them after spaceflight exposure.
Ecological role of the group
Fairy shrimp inhabit temporary pools that fill with seasonal rains. Their drought-resistant eggs can remain viable in dry soil for 10-20 years, hatching when conditions are right. They are critical food sources for migratory waterbirds.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Brine shrimp are a $1.6 billion industry - their eggs (cysts) are harvested from the Great Salt Lake in Utah and sold worldwide as fish food in aquaculture. Sea-Monkeys, the iconic toy, are actually brine shrimp (Artemia).
Recorded sources for this group: Great Salt Lake ecology, aquaculture industry, NASA. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.