L. arcticus is one of the most unique of the triops. Not only does it inhabit permanent fresh bodies of water, it is even known to coexist with arctic charr in some deep Norwegian, Greenland and Svalbard lakes. As a rule, though, it lives in high arctic lakes shallower than 6 meters – the lakes freeze completely during the colder seasons and this keeps fish from living there. Scientists are actively studying the trophic relation between L. arcticus and the arctic charr in those lakes they coexist in to understand the delicate ecology better.
Major species
Lepidurus arcticus
Subspecies
none
Range
- Asia (Northern)
- Kuril Archipelago
- Russia
- Europe (Northern)
- Norway
- Greenland
- Svalbard
Habitat
Cold temporary freshwater pools but is also found in streams and lakes where conditions allow
Temperature range
Minimum 4-7°C
Body ring/segments
26 – 28; 4 – 5 apodous
Appendages
41 – 46
Notable characters
The endites of the 1st thoracic appendage barely reach edge of the carapace, supra anal plate very small relative to other Lepidurus, second maxilla present
Reproduction
Bisexual (female biased) and hermaphroditic
- {Living fossil} - Fossil have been found and back to more than 220 million years ago. They are thougt to have been on the planet even longer than that, up to 350 million years
- {Just add water} for watch the prehistoric sea creature egg hatch and come to life
- { Make your own ancient environment }
- {Learn fun facts} from seeing the life cycle of your ancient pets
- { 1 set include } 50 triops eggs in capsule and get free bubble air stone
