Lynceus_gracilicornis
Graceful clam shrimp
Species of small freshwater animal
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  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Branchiopoda |
| Order: | Laevicaudata |
| Family: | Lynceidae |
| Genus: | Lynceus |
| Species: | L. gracilicornis |
| Binomial name | |
| Lynceus gracilicornis (Packard, 1871) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Limnetis gracilicornis Packard, 1871 | |
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]
Lynceus gracilicornis is usually found in the shallow grassy parts of temporary ponds.[1] When oxygen levels are high, some individuals may be found in deep water. Graceful clam shrimp feed on plankton that they collect while swimming.[1]
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]
- Joel W. Martin, Bruce E. Felgenhauer & Lawrence G. Abele (1986). "Redescription of the clam shrimp Lynceus gracilicornis (Packard) (Branchiopoda, Conchostraca, Lynceidae) from Florida, with notes on its biology" (PDF). Zoologica Scripta. 15 (3): 221–232. doi:10.1111/j.1463-6409.1986.tb00224.x. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-19.