Triops are a group of freshwater crustaceans commonly called tadpole shrimp or dinosaur shrimp. They look like ancient armored tadpoles, a look theyve rocked for hundreds of millions of years. Triops is a Greek word that means “three eyes.” The group is named after this word because they have two main compound eyes and a third simple eye called an ocellus eye that helps them see.
It’s not a shrimp; that word is usually used for marine crustaceans in the order Decapoda. Triops are in the order Notostraca. The Triops species, which is one of only two in its family and order, lives in water, like shrimp. It’s so hard for Triops to live in temporary freshwater or slightly salty pools that they may only stay there for a few weeks before drying out.
Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, says that Triops’ looks haven’t changed much since the group first appeared in the Devonian period (419 million to 359 million years ago). Some people called the animals “living fossils” because they came from a long line of animals with similar shapes and sizes. This term is also often used for deep-sea fish called coelacanths and horseshoe crabs, which look a bit like Triops.
Scientists used to think that Triops cancriformis, a species of Triops, was the same animal that was found in fossils from 250 million years ago. That would mean Triops cancriformis lived through the Triassic period, which was between 252 million and 201 million years ago and is when dinosaurs first appeared. This is how the name “dinosaur shrimp” came about. But a study of Triops DNA that came out in 2013 in the journal PeerJ found that the current species only evolved in the last 25 million years.
“Living fossils evolve like any other organism; they just have a good body plan that has stood the test of time,” Africa Gómez, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Hull in England and the study’s lead author, said at the time. “A good analogy could be made with cars. For example, the Mini still sells even though it has an old design. However, new Minis come with electronic windows, GPS, and airbags, so in that way, they are still changing. They aren’t exactly the same, but most of the changes have been inside rather than on the outside. “.
Are Tadpole Shrimp Edible? A Curious Foodie Investigates
As an adventurous foodie, I’m always on the lookout for new and unique ingredients to try Recently, I came across tadpole shrimp and wondered – are these fascinating creatures edible? I decided to do some digging to get to the bottom of this culinary curiosity
Tadpole shrimp, also known as Triops, are a rare treat for the curious palate. These freshwater crustaceans have a primal, prehistoric appearance that looks straight out of the Jurassic era. Their distinctively elongated bodies are topped with a rounded, segmented shell. Below, numerous pairs of legs propel them gracefully through the water. They have survived for over 250 million years, making them one of the oldest living animal species on Earth.
While not commonly farmed or harvested, these ancient arthropods can occasionally be found in certain regions if you know where to look. I discovered that some cultures do traditionally consume tadpole shrimp. In parts of Japan, they are considered a regional delicacy called “mametako.” Certain Native American tribes traditionally ate them after roasting them over an open fire.
However, tadpole shrimp are not a mainstream menu item for several reasons. Firstly, they are minuscule in size, with adults growing to around 1.5 inches long at maximum. This makes them impractical as a sustenance food source. Secondly, they can only be harvested from the wild in limited seasonal windows. Tadpole shrimp eggs lie dormant in dried pond beds for years, hatching when water returns. This sporadic life cycle prevents large-scale cultivation.
While their nutritional value is not exceptional, analysis shows they are high in protein and contain a range of essential amino acids. Their makeup is similar to other shrimp varieties, so they may have potential as a supplemental protein source. However, possible contamination from pollutants in their freshwater habitats raises some health concerns if consumed raw or undercooked. Proper handling and thorough cooking helps mitigate this risk.
As an intrepid gastronome, I wanted to sample these primordial crustaceans for myself. After some searching, I managed to acquire a batch of live tadpole shrimp from an online vendor. They arrived wriggling vigorously in a simple plastic bag filled with water. I rinsed them thoroughly before cooking. I decided to keep the preparations simple to highlight their natural flavor.
First, I tried pan-frying a small batch in olive oil with salt and pepper. The shrimps’ pale translucence faded to a light pink as they cooked. Their delicate texture was accented by a subtle sweetness and mild brininess. While the overall taste was quite mild, they made a pleasant snack.
Next, I dropped some into a simple seafood broth I whipped up using shrimp stock, vegetables, and Thai curry paste for flavor. Simmered gently for a few minutes, the tadpole shrimp absorbed the rich aromas nicely. Their soft crunch contrasted with the broth’s silkiness.
While tadpole shrimp may never become mainstream, my culinary experiments prove they have some merit as a novelty ingredient. Their elusive nature provides an element of exclusivity. For an intrepid home chef, they offer a unique chance to taste foods from the primordial past. I’d recommend trying them at least once out of curiosity. Just be sure to source them from a reputable provider and handle them with care. If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate tadpole shrimp into your next surf-and-turf feast for a prehistoric protein garnish your guests won’t forget!
How big do Triops get?
Triops usually grow to be no more than a few inches in length. For example, summer tadpole shrimps reach about 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) long, and this is still considered quite large for Triops, according to BioKids. Australian tadpole shrimp are larger and max out at about 3.5 inches (9 cm) long, according to the Western Australian Museum.
How do Triops breed?
Because Triops water habitats are only temporary, they mature quickly and go from eggs to breeding adults in two to three weeks, according to Buglife, an invertebrate conservation charity in the U.K. Triops are hermaphrodites, which means each individual has both sexual organs, but they can also reproduce sexually and even produce offspring from unfertilized eggs. This flexibility when it comes to reproducing helps each generation of Triops give rise to another in extreme environments, including deserts.
Triops eggs can go into “diapause,” which is a dormant state where they stop growing and become dry. Diapause allows the eggs, and the Triops inside, to survive when their watery pools evaporate in arid conditions. Buglife says the eggs may stay in diapause for up to 27 years, waiting for water to return so they can hatch.
When conditions are favorable, these animals can suddenly hatch in large numbers. For example, hundreds of Triops appeared in a ceremonial ball court at Wupatki National Monument in northern Arizona in 2021. The court was a circular structure with walls that was usually dry. Related stories.
“We knew there was water in the ball court, but we didn’t think there would be anything living in it,” Wupatki National Monument lead interpretation ranger Lauren Carter told Live Science at the time. “Then a visitor came up and said, Hey, you have tadpoles down in your ballcourt. “.
The “tadpoles” were Triops that hatched after a monsoon created a temporary lake in the ball court. BioKids says that Triops can live up to 70 days in the wild and 90 days in captivity after they hatch.
Tadpole Shrimp Are Coming For Your Rice | Deep Look
FAQ
Can you keep tadpole shrimp?
How big do tadpole shrimp get?
What eats Triops?
Are tadpole shrimp a living fossil?
By Chip Hannum (updated by Stuart Halliday). Triops, sometimes called tadpole, dinosaur, or shield shrimp, are a small group of crustaceans that are in the Branchiopoda group that are found in temporary bodies of fresh or brackish water. Sometimes they are sold in ‘Sea-Monkey’ like kits in toy shops, and they are often billed as ‘living fossils’.
Is this a tadpole shrimp or a shield shrimp?
This is a very exciting submission for us. You are correct that this is a Shield Shrimp or Triops, though we personally prefer the common name Tadpole Shrimp . We have not had a submission of a Triops since 2012. Sometimes called “Living Fossils,” Triops have developed a very interesting survival tactic due to being found in arid environments.
Are tadpole shrimps Hardy?
Tadpole shrimps are also called triops since they have a pair of compound eyes with the third eye between them. Their bodies also resemble tadpoles with shields, and thus some people refer to them as shield shrimp. Thankfully, they are very hardy species and make ideal choices for those looking for pets with low-level maintenance needs.
How long do tadpole shrimps live?
Tadpole shrimps have a relatively short lifespan of 40-70 days in the wild and 70-90 in captivity. Thankfully, breeding them is easy, and you can get a new batch within a short time. Tadpole shrimps will reproduce through one of three options. Hermaphrodites do it through selfing, where they fertilize their eggs.