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
—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.
Image unavailableCo-occurring Species 
Close Relative (c) Мирослав Соболев, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Kim, Hyun-tae, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kim, Hyun-tae · cc-by
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