Tadpole shrimp  (Triops cancriformis)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

Triops cancriformis is a living fossil; it has not changed in appearance since the Triassic period, 220 million years ago, and is therefore the oldest living animal species known (2). With its flattened shield that covers the head- and leg-bearing parts of the body, Triops resembles a small horseshoe crab. The segmented abdomen bears two projections (4). All notostracans (tadpole shrimps) have 2 internal compound eyes plus the larval nauplius eye (Triops means 'three eyes'). In females, the 11th pair of legs is modified and carries the eggs (2).

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