Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp

Threatened and Endangered Species

The California Department of Fish and Game identifies the Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp as a threatened and endangered species (T&E).

The Vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi) is a federally threatened species. It lives in vernal pools, pot holes, and other ephemeral pools. Although it lives in fresh- or saltwater, it does not live in oceans or seas. The eggs hatch about 30 hours after winter rains fill the pools where they live. Some eggs will not hatch before going through several wet/dry cycles, ensuring the animal's survival through times of drought. Cattle can mix fairy shrimp populations by carrying the dried eggs, or "cysts", from pool to pool during grazing.