Any of the crustacean s 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. See also shrimp .
Fairy shrimp ( Eubranchipus vernalis )
William Jahoda
National Audubon Society from Photo Researchers/EB Inc.