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Graceful clam shrimp

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Graceful clam shrimp
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Branchiopoda
Order: Laevicaudata
Family: Lynceidae
Genus: Lynceus
Species:
L. gracilicornis
Binomial name
Lynceus gracilicornis
(Packard, 1871)
Synonyms

Limnetis gracilicornis Packard, 1871

The graceful clam shrimp (Lynceus gracilicornis) is a species of clam shrimp found in Texas, northern Florida and possibly other regions in between.[1]

Characteristics

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This large clam shrimp presents a body colouration varying from orange to rose, and a dark maroon shell; the eggs carried by the female are yellow to orange.[1] The species is distinguished from other Lynceidae members because the males have a pair of large claspers, with the right clasper being larger than the left. There are no growth marks on the carapace, as in other clam shrimp.[1] Graceful clam shrimp swim upside down or on their side, using legs and antennae for backward propulsion.[1]

Ecology

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Lynceus gracilicornis is usually found in the shallow grassy parts of temporary ponds.[1] When oxygen levels are high, some individuals may be found in deep water. Graceful clam shrimp feed on plankton that they collect while swimming.[1]

Reproduction

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The male clasps the lower margin of the female's shell and swims while holding her above him. Females carry up to 200 eggs under the carapace.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Joel W. Martin, Bruce E. Felgenhauer & Lawrence G. Abele (1986). "Redescription of the clam shrimp Lynceus gracilicornis (Packard) (Branchiopoda, Conchostraca, Lynceidae) from Florida, with notes on its biology" (PDF). Zoologica Scripta. 15 (3): 221–232. doi:10.1111/j.1463-6409.1986.tb00224.x. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-19.