Crustaceans

Fairy Shrimp; Tadpole Shrimp; Clam Shrimp

USGS/Tim Graham

 

Yes!

There are three kinds of shrimp in Arches National Park (fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp and clam shrimp) and they are all crustaceans. Their ancestors used to live in shallow seas that covered what we now call Arches National Park.

Now, the shrimp live in shallow potholes that evaporate often. They can survive because the adults lay cysts (which contains embryos) that can remain dormant for as long as fifty years. We can protect these shrimp by not disturbing these potholes.

Go to Question 6.