Description

Fairy Shrimp are about 1 to 1 ½ inch in length and spend their entire lives in vernal pools. Adult fairy shrimp have compound eyes, two sets of antennae, and 11 pairs of swimming legs. The body is divided into three parts: head, thorax, and abdomen. The two sets of antennae are called antennules, which are usually long. The second one (not named) is usually more muscular, especially for the males. Usually reddish-orange color but also can be gray or a translucent white color, or blue/green. The coloration of the fairy shrimp depends on what they eat or what’s in the water. Fairy shrimp swim on their backs using their multiple legs.