
Fairy shrimp (Eubranchipus vernalis)
Any of the
crustaceans in the order Anostraca, named for their graceful movements and pastel colours. Some grow to 1 in. (2.5 cm) or more in length. They live in freshwater ponds in Europe, Central Asia, western North America, the drier regions of Africa, and Australia.
Seealso shrimp.
Learn more about fairy shrimp with a free trial on Britannica.com.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.