Fairy shrimps are a type of freshwater crustacean that belong to the order Anostraca. These intriguing creatures are closely related to sea monkeys and are characterized by their small size, typically measuring up to one inch in length. However, some species, like the giant fairy shrimp, can grow up to three inches. Fairy shrimps possess 11 pairs of appendages that they use for swimming, respiration, and filter-feeding. Their diet consists of algae, plankton, and bacteria found in their aquatic habitats, and they are adept at scraping food from rocks and debris.

Fairy shrimp lifespans vary by species, ranging from a few weeks to several months. They typically mature in approximately two weeks, influenced by environmental conditions. Upon maturity, female fairy shrimps can lay hundreds of eggs known as cysts, which are resilient to extreme temperatures and can remain dormant in soil until favorable conditions for hatching emerge.

Fairy shrimps are well-suited for temporary freshwater environments like vernal pools, seasonal ponds, and other shallow water habitats that appear during wet seasons but may dry up during the year. Their ability to enter a state of diapause enables them to survive adverse conditions in these ever-changing habitats. Overall, fairy shrimps are a fascinating subject for those interested in freshwater ecology and the unique adaptations that allow organisms to thrive in dynamic environments.