Graceful clam shrimp
Species of small freshwater animal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The graceful clam shrimp (Lynceus gracilicornis) is a species of clam shrimp found in Texas, northern Florida and possibly other regions in between.[1]
| Graceful clam shrimp | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Branchiopoda |
| Order: | Laevicaudata |
| Family: | Lynceidae |
| Genus: | Lynceus |
| Species: | L. gracilicornis |
| Binomial name | |
| Lynceus gracilicornis (Packard, 1871) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Limnetis gracilicornis Packard, 1871 | |
Characteristics
This large clam shrimp presents a body colouration varying from orange to rose, and a dark maroon shell; the eggs carried by the female are yellow to orange.[1] The species is distinguished from other Lynceidae members because the males have a pair of large claspers, with the right clasper being larger than the left. There are no growth marks on the carapace, as in other clam shrimp.[1] Graceful clam shrimp swim upside down or on their side, using legs and antennae for backward propulsion.[1]
Ecology
Reproduction
The male clasps the lower margin of the female's shell and swims while holding her above him. Females carry up to 200 eggs under the carapace.[1]