Arid-zone
Guides
Spinicaudata
clam shrimp
Spinicaudata is an infraorder of small, bivalved branchiopod crustaceans commonly known as clam shrimp. They inhabit temporary freshwater pools, saline lakes, and rock holes (gnammas) across arid and semi-arid regions worldwide. The group is characterized by a laterally compressed body enclosed within a hinged, clam-like carapace. Many species produce drought-resistant resting eggs that persist in dry sediments until favorable conditions return. Reproductive modes vary, with some lineages exhibiting androdioecy (hermaphrodites with occasional males) and others gonochorism (separate sexes with ~1:1 ratios).