''Streptocephalus proboscideus'', sometimes called the Sudanese fairy shrimp, is a species of fairy shrimp found in eastern Africa.

Characteristics

''Streptocephalus proboscideus'' may reach in length. The colouring varies from translucent to almost black. The Latin name, ''Streptocephalus proboscideus'', means "twisted head with a proboscis", referring to a median appendage on the head between the antennae. The male antennae are the main identification feature of this species. It is an active swimmer, requiring a water temperature of or higher. This fairy shrimp may filter up to of water in 24 hours. ''S. proboscideus'' may live as long as 9 months under laboratory conditions.

Ecology

The Sudanese fairy shrimp is found in shallow rain pools where it may form huge swarms. Its eggs may lie dormant in dry mud for several years. This fairy shrimp is an

omnivore An omnivore () is an animal that has the ability to eat and survive on both plant and animal matter. Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and animal matter, omnivores digest carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber, and metabolize the nutr ...

that can filter particles as small as yeast cells or as large as 0.2 mm. It may also eat

nauplii Nauplius, Nauplia or Nauplios , may refer to : Greece-related * Nauplius (mythology), in Greek mythology, the son of Poseidon and Amymone, the father of Palamedes, and also the name of an Argonaut * Nauplia Nafplio ( ell, Ναύπλιο) is a ...

of its own species or other species indiscriminately.

Life cycle

An ''S. proboscideus'' nauplius turns into a mature individual in less than two weeks. The female produces clutches of 100–300 eggs. An average female may produce 35–40 such clutches in her lifetime. She must be

fertilised Fertilisation or fertilization (see spelling differences), also known as generative fertilisation, syngamy and impregnation, is the fusion of gametes to give rise to a new individual organism or offspring and initiate its development. Proce ...

after each clutch.

References

*Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia. Volume 2 — Protostomes.

Characteristics

Ecology

Life cycle

References

Further reading