I had researched some info. online prior to the last post, on triops. I found this great website instead for explaining exactly what they are and how big they get. Basically they are like little shrimp...it makes total sense, that is what they look like!! I was quite fascinated this evening as I was watching Gavin's 1 triop, swimming around and eating (as explained below).
Yes, very Interesting!!
What are Triops?
Triops are crustaceans that look like miniature horseshoe crabs. Larger members of the crustacean family include crabs and lobsters. Smaller members are brine shrimp, fairy shrimp, and Daphnia. Triops have a relatively short lifespan of 20 to 90 days and grow quickly to their adult length of one to three inches. How large they grow depends on the amount of light and food they receive. After hatching, they often double in size daily!
The bright colors of the Triops are due to hemoglobin in the blood and a dark blue-green pigment in the connective tissue. They are called branchiopods (gill foot) because they obtain oxygen from the water through their feet. The young quickly move through several larval stages, molting their exoskeletons each time. Adults can complete their life cycle in less than 30 days. Triops are usually in constant motion and have entertaining feeding and breathing patterns that include amazing acrobatics and upside-down swimming. While swimming on their backs, Triops are able to sweep food into their mouth by using their many legs.
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