Living Fossils in the Arizona Desert / Dinosaur Shrimp

These amazing creatures are sometimes called Fairy Shrimp or Triops, named for their three eyes, one of which is used solely to detect light. They live in temporary pools found in the desert and their eggs can survive out of water for up to a decade! After hatching, they only live for up to two months before laying eggs and then dying or drying up in the harsh desert sun. These fairy shrimp were still quite young and therefor small, but they can grow up to three inches long. They are sometimes referred to as living fossils because they have been around for over 200 million years!

[@randomguy314hd]

These are tadpole shrimp (aka triops like you said). Fairy shrimp look more like a typical brine shrimp or sea monkey.

[@warnerwildernessphotography]

You're totally right, thank you for the clarification. I've met quite a few people who call them fairy shrimp, my fault for not fact checking that.

[@96Denmark]

What is that crazy landscape in the background? It reminds me of those ancient stone dwellings which are famous for not being able to slip a knife in between the stone blocks because of how perfectly they were cut and placed.

[@Vativ]

Cool video

[@austinbevis4266]

I saw a video of ones that were maybe the size of drink coasters. Do you think it was a perspective trick, or do some of them get big like that?

[@elfdog2915]

I wish, don't think so though

[@KennethV2000]

Cute Dinosaur!

[@Maxmilion6004]

Who knew. Not i. But now. I know

[@ankitnagvekar9289]

Very nice 👍 Shot on iPhone?

[@warnerwildernessphotography]

Yes, just an iPhone. Meanwhile I'm carrying my camera bag in the video 😂

[@vidalott]

Are they edible?

[@warnerwildernessphotography]

In a survival situation, sure! Don't taste too good though...

[@vidalott]

@@warnerwildernessphotography Right. A little wild leek and some salt, and you’ve got yourself a survival soup, perhaps? Interesting.
Fascinating creatures, thank you for sharing this.

[@cyberpengiun]

its all fun and games till it burrows into your hand and swims under your skin to your brain

[@warnerwildernessphotography]

Too late. All hail the dinosaur shrimp. 🧟‍♀

[@yrethr4]

Oh wow seeing it squirm in your hand

[@warnerwildernessphotography]

Super wiggly.

[@joenathane]

Where in AZ is this?

[@warnerwildernessphotography]

The Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.

[@joenathane]

@@warnerwildernessphotography that's really a sight to see! Was hoping it was close, but that is 4 hours from me. Will need to visit before I croak.

[@kennyvelez]

How do the eggs survive in the heat for so long?