Eubranchipus sp. is currently being further identified and has no official name yet, however it belongs to the order Chirocephlidae. This species was found in a roadside ditch near Waco, TX in February 2024. Not much is known about its distribution, the habitat it resides in was tea stain water rich in decaying organic material, assumed to be low in alkalinity and dissolved solids.Â
Anatomy: The characteristics outlined below may exhibit variations influenced by environmental conditions, population dynamics, and the organism's age.
Head:
Second Antenna:
Male:Â The main key identifier is the second antenna on the males, which is fairly small compared to the rest of the body and has a pointed shape at the tip of the distal segment. Moreover, the shape of the process is also a key characteristic, another feature is the antennal appendages which is small and more or less oval in shape.
Female:Â reduced second antenna
Thorax:
Dorsolateral Process:
Male:Â None
Female:Â None
Thoracopods:
This structure is similar between sexes with fine setae on the edges of the limb.
Reproductive Segments:
Male:Â pair of penes
Female:Â The females exhibit a small rounded shaped egg pouch barely extending to the first abdominal segment.
Cyst:
The cyst of this species is fairly large and rounded with very small indentations.
Abdomen:
Flatten abdomen, females are much wider than males.
Tail:
Cercopods:
The cercopods can be white tipped, transitioning to red, deep red or black blueish. The cercopods can also just be red or black blueish in pigmentation and trail up the telson and abdomen.
Morphology:
Size: 1.6cm to 2 cm in length, contingent on prevailing environmental conditions.
Coloration: the body of this shrimp is mainly transparent but can have tints of yellow, and green.
Captivity and Growth:
Growth is influenced by multiple factors such as temperature, salinity, and care. These temperature ranges are based on our experience but do not represent the maximum or minimum.
Hatching Temperature Range: unknownÂ
Temperature Range for Adults: 50 to 72°F.
Hatching: unknownÂ
Growth Rate: unknown
Behavior: These fairy shrimp filter feed on microbes in the water column and swim in a more or less stationary pattern.
Reproduction: Males will use their second antennae to latch onto the female and copulate. This mating ritual may last a few seconds to minutes, depending on whether the females can shake off the male. Male actively pursuing a mate.