Week7 Draft1

Brine shrimp, or Artemia, are crustaceans that inhabit inland salt water lakes. They are known for their ability to adapt in fluctuating levels of salinity. They are slightly over 1cm in length, and although small, are of great importance to the ecosystem. They are a source of protein for not only for fish, but often nesting birds as well as migrating birds. In the Great Salt Lake, brine shrimp are important to the local economy as they are often sold as food for fish as well as shellfish raised for food for humans. Their life cycle consists of dormant cyst (eggs), that hatch and develop into Naupliar stages. Eventually, they develop into juveniles that become adults. Femals will hold the eggs.