The Branchipodopsis affinis, commonly known as the Mongolian Fairy Shrimp, is a unique species of branchiopod that is part of the genus Branchipodopsis. The global status of Branchipodopsis affinis has not been evaluated recently, and its current conservation status is unknown.
Based on the general characteristics of the genus Branchipodopsis, it can be inferred that Branchipodopsis affinis may inhabit small, transient rock pools, mainly pools containing clear rainwater after heavy, seasonal rainfall (Brendonck et al., 2000). The rock pools that Branchipodopsis species inhabit are notable for the water’s clarity and its very low electrolytic conductivity (Brendonck et al., 2000).
According to Rogers (2014), only fairy shrimps were present in rock outcrop pools when there was a measurable amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), regardless of the type of rock. This observation suggests that the presence of CaCO3 in the substrate could be a significant factor influencing the distribution of fairy shrimps, including Branchipodopsis affinis. However, specific details about the substrate geochemical components of Branchipodopsis affinis are not readily available.
Anatomy: The characteristics outlined below may exhibit variations influenced by environmental conditions, population dynamics, and the organism's age.
Head:
Second Antenna:
Male: The shrimp possesses a structure known as a Clypeus, characterized by a wide base process that divides into two lobes at its extremity. The external lobe is typically rounded and smooth, although it may exhibit a small sharp projection on its inner side, which might not be visible in certain instances. Conversely, the inner lobe is more cone-shaped with a sharp point. Additionally, there is a small, rounded, leaf-like feature (lamelliform process), and the joint at the tip is distinctly curved inward, broad, and blunt (Kangarloei, Behrooz Atashbar & Roohi, 2021).
Female: The second antennae are smaller, broad, oval, flattened, and smooth, with no protrusions.
Thorax:
Dorsolateral Process:
The thoracic segments are smooth and without lobes, which is characteristic of the genus
Thoracopods:
The structure is comparable across sexes, characterized by delicate setae along the limb's edges.
Reproductive Segments:
Male: A pair of penises.
Female: Resting egg broods are usually small, often comprising less than 80 eggs, and are produced almost daily. The egg-carrying pouch, known as the brood pouch, is oval in shape (Brendonck et al., 2000).
Abdomen:
Uniform across sexes without distinctive characteristics.
Telson & Cercopods:
Male: The cercopods, or tail appendages, feature outer edges that curve outward significantly, adorned with bristles (setae) spanning their full length. Additionally, small, spine-like bristles are present along the entire inner edges. (Thiéry and Jean, 2008).
Female: The tail appendages feature straight edges adorned with lengthy, feathery bristles known as plumose setae along the outer edges and the distal two-thirds of the inner edges (Thiéry and Jean, 2008).
Egg:
The cyst, or the closed sac-like structure, has a surface that is decorated with dips (indentations) and raised lines (ridges). It is round in shape and has rib-like structures that form many-sided (polygonal) areas.
Morphology:
Size: 2.cm to 2.5cm in length, contingent on prevailing environmental conditions.
Coloration: body is transparent but may have hues of tans, and pinks.
Captivity and Growth:
Growth is influenced by multiple factors such as temperature, salinity, and care. These temperature ranges are based on our experience but do not represent the maximum or minimum.
Hatching Temperature Range: 60 to 78 °F.
Temperature Range for Adults: 60 to 78°F.
Hatching: At temperatures of 60 to 78 Fahrenheit, nauplii appear after 24 to 48 hours.
Growth Rate: Branchipodopsis species stand out as frontrunners in the temporal race, achieving maturation typically within a week post-inundation (Brendonck et al., 2000). This species demonstrates a rapid growth trajectory, attaining sexual maturity in approximately 7 to 10 days, and have an average lifespan of 8 to 10 weeks in captivity.
Behavior: This species prefers to swim in open water, feeding on microorganisms in the water column, and is constantly swimming more or less in a stationary manner. Males are more sporadic than females.
Reproduction: males use their second antenna to latch onto the females only taking but a few seconds to mate.
References:
Brendonck, L., Hamer, M. L., Riddoch, B. J., & Seaman, M. T. (2000). Branchipodopsis species — specialists of ephemeral rock pools. African Journal of Aquatic Science, 25(1), 98-104. DOI: 10.2989/160859100780177668
Thiéry, A., & Jean, S. (2008). BRANCHIPODOPSIS BUETTIKERI, NEW SPECIES (ANOSTRACA, BRANCHIPODIDAE), THE FIRST ARABIAN (SULTANATE OF OMAN) REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GENUS OF FRESHWATER FAIRY SHRIMPS, WITH BIOGEOGRAPHICAL REMARKS. Laboratoire de Biologie animale - E.A. 2202 Biodiversité, Université de Provence, 3 place Victor Hugo, case 18, 13331 Marseille Cedex 3.
Kangarloei, B. A., & Roohi, M. (2021). Branchipodopsis affinis Sars, 1901. First record of Branchipodopsis affinis Sars, 1901 (Crustacea: Anostraca) in Iran (Bazargan, West Azerbaijan): Ecology, Morphology and Genetics. Zootaxa, 4908(4), 558-570, p. 563.
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