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A Triops, also known as “summer tadpole shrimp”, is a fascinating, prehistoric shrimp. These animals belong to the Notostraca family and have hardly changed for many millions of years. Triops are easily recognizable by their shield-like shell and three characteristic eyes. They live in temporary bodies of water such as puddles and pools, where they can develop and complete their life cycle within a few weeks. Their robustness and adaptability also make them popular pets for aquariums.

An adult female Triops Granarius Green

Triops have an incredibly fast life cycle. Their lifespan typically ranges from 60 to 120 days, depending on factors such as water temperature and nutrition. During this short period, they go through several developmental stages, from egg to adult animal. Some variants, such as Triops Cancriformis Black, can occasionally live much longer and reach up to 9 months.

Triops grow throughout their life and can reach a size of over 4 inches (10 cm), although most species grow up to about 3 inches (8 cm). However, there are also cases of particularly large Triops, like Triops Granarius Green, which can grow even bigger. Their rapid development and relatively short lifespan make them a fascinating subject for aquarium enthusiasts.

Adult Triops Granarius Green

Prehistoric Shrimp, including Triops (summer tadpole shrimp), as well as other species like Lepidurus (spring tadpole shrimp) and fairy shrimps, belong to a special group of crustaceans that have undergone very little evoultionary change. They are known for their unique adaptability to temporary bodies of water, where they grow rapidly and often survive only a few weeks before the water dries up. Unlike other crustaceans that live in seas or rivers, prehistoric shrimp are adapted to an extremely short developmental cycle. They possess resilient resting eggs that can edure long dry periods. These eggs can remain dormant for years and will hatch only when they come into contact with water - an extraordinary feature that sets them apart form other crustaceans.

A Triops egg, a newly hatched Triops nauplius, and an adult Triops

Fairy shrimp and Leipidurus are also part of the prehistoric shrimp

Triops differ in many ways from other animals, especially due to their unique life cycle and their adaptability to extreme conditions. Compared to most other animals, Triops have a very short lifespan, typically only lasting a few months.

Another remarkable feature of Triops is their ability to survive in temporary bodies of water that regularly dry up. The eggs of Triops can endure for years in a dry environment and only hatch when new rain and sufficient water are present.

Dried Triops eggs

Unlike many other animals, Triops also have an unusual body shape with large, prominent eyes and an elongated body. These characteristics have been retained throughout their evolution, setting them apart from most other animals.

Floating Triops from above

There are various Triops species that differ in appearance, lifestyle, and adaptability. The following four species are among the most common and popular Triops bred in the hobby. While there are many other Triops species, these are the best-known and most widely distributed:

• Triops Cancriformis – This species is particularly robust when fully grown and comes in various color variants such as black, red, green, brown, or marbled. It has a slow development process, as its nauplii take longer to hatch and grow. However, Triops Cancriformis has the longest lifespan among all Triops species and can thrive in cooler water conditions once fully grown. Due to its resilience to fluctuations in water quality and temperature, it is very popular among Triops enthusiasts. However, due to the longer growth phase, it is also more challenging to raise.

• Triops Longicaudatus – This species is the most commonly bred worldwide and is especially popular because of its fast growth. Triops Longicaudatus can be found in colors such as black, red, brown, and gray. Its rapid growth and ease of care make it an ideal choice for beginners, and its simplified breeding process also makes it suitable for school projects.

• Triops Granarius – This Triops species is found in green and brown tones and has an exceptionally fast development time, meaning it reaches maturity much quicker than other species. A notable characteristic of this species is the distinct sexual dimorphism, as it only has male and female individuals. Triops Granarius are very active and require more food, which may be challenging for beginners, making them better suited for experienced breeders.

• Triops Australiensis – Originally native to Australia, this species is known for its adaptation to warmer water. It comes in green and silver color variants and can grow to a size similar to Triops Cancriformis. Triops Australiensis are very robust when fully grown and can survive in aquariums with slightly higher temperatures.

Yes, it is possible to keep different Triops species together in an aquarium if the tank is large enough and provides sufficient hiding spots. Regular feeding is important, as some species tend to become aggressive or even exhibit cannibalistic behavior when food is scarce. With enough food and a varied diet, this can be avoided, ensuring that all Triops species can coexist peacefully in the aquarium.

Different Triops species

It is generally possible to keep Triops with other animals in an aquarium, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Triops are aquatic creatures that thrive in a well-equipped aquarium. To ensure that both Triops and other animals can coexist in the same environment, the water conditions – such as temperature, pH, and water hardness – must be compatible with those of the other species. The size of the aquarium also plays a crucial role in providing enough space for all the animals.

Triops can live peacefully with smaller, non-aggressive aquarium inhabitants like snails or isopods, which prefer similar water conditions. However, it's important to ensure that the other animals do not compete for food or pose a threat to the Triops. To avoid conflicts, larger or more aggressive species should be kept separate from the Triops.

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Triops exhibit a variety of fascinating behaviors, making them exciting and interesting animals to observe in an aquarium. Triops swim dynamically through the water, explore their surroundings, and actively search for food. They are often seen near the bottom, where they scavenge for food scraps or bury their eggs.

Another remarkable behavior is seen when Triops bury their eggs. Adult Triops lay their eggs daily in the substrate. These eggs are designed to survive even under extreme conditions. They often remain dormant for years and only hatch when the external conditions are ideal.

Triops Cancriformis Red shortly before egg-laying

Triops are often used in science and education because their easy care and short lifespan make them ideal research subjects. In science, they are used to study developmental biology, evolution, and ecology. Their resilient eggs and unique life cycle—characterized by dry and wet phases—provide valuable insights into survival strategies and adaptation mechanisms in changing environments.

In education, Triops are also used: They allow students to directly observe biological processes such as reproduction and behavior. Keeping Triops fosters curiosity, scientific thinking, and an understanding of ecological relationships.