Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 4667733
Shield Shrimp
Triops australiensisAlso known as Australian Tadpole Shrimp, Australian Shield Shrimp
Shield shrimp hatch rapidly from drought-resistant eggs when torrential rains fill dry claypans across arid inland Australia. Their horseshoe-shaped carapace shields delicate limbs as they plow through muddy bottom sediments in search of organic matter, algae, and small prey. Within a few short weeks, these ancient crustaceans reach maturity, reproduce, and lay durable cysts before their temporary pools evaporate completely.
FreshwaterCrustaceanAncient Lineage
Licensed reference(c) Sean Murray, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Detritus
- Algae
- Microcrustaceans
Predators
- Water birds
- Predaceous diving beetles
- Frogs
ThreatsHabitat alteration, prolonged severe drought, land degradation
HabitatsEphemeral freshwater pools, claypans, floodwaters
Life span1–3 months
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTriopsidae
- SpeciesTriops australiensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless crustacean; safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Finding pools: Search shallow claypans and floodwaters in arid inland regions shortly after heavy rains.
- Close inspection: Use a clear container filled with pool water to examine their underside legs and swimming motion.
Co-occurring Species 
Close Relative (c) Мирослав Соболев, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-byClose Relative
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