Aquarium-pet
Guides
Triops
tadpole shrimp, shield shrimp
Triops is a genus of small branchiopod crustaceans in the order Notostraca, commonly known as tadpole shrimp or shield shrimp. The genus is distinguished by having only a pair of long, thin caudal extensions on the telson, unlike the related genus Lepidurus which bears an additional central platelike process. Some species are frequently sold as aquarium pets in dried egg kits, hatching upon contact with fresh water. In agricultural settings, particularly California rice cultivation, certain species function as early-season pests that damage germinating seedlings.