Eastern Clam Shrimp
Limnadia lenticularis
The Eastern Clam Shrimp is a small freshwater crustacean measuring 5-18mm in length, characterized by its distinctive bivalved carapace that resembles a tiny clam shell. These translucent to brownish creatures are filter feeders that play important roles in temporary wetland ecosystems by consuming algae, bacteria, and organic detritus while serving as food for waterfowl and other aquatic predators.
15
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Branchiopoda
Order
Diplostraca
Family
Limnadiidae
Genus
Limnadia
Eastern Clam Shrimp belongs to the family Limnadiidae, order Diplostraca, within the Branchiopoda class.
Species Profile
The Eastern Clam Shrimp is a small freshwater crustacean measuring 5-18mm in length, characterized by its distinctive bivalved carapace that resembles a tiny clam shell. These translucent to brownish creatures are filter feeders that play important roles in temporary wetland ecosystems by consuming algae, bacteria, and organic detritus while serving as food for waterfowl and other aquatic predators.
The Eastern Clam Shrimp faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of temporary freshwater pools and wetlands. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and altered hydrological regimes have eliminated or modified many of the ephemeral aquatic habitats this species depends on for reproduction and survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Eastern Clam Shrimp inhabit temporary freshwater pools, seasonal wetlands, and ephemeral ponds that fill with rainwater or snowmelt and typically dry out within several months. They are particularly associated with shallow, vegetated pools in prairie potholes, woodland depressions, and agricultural areas where water remains for 2-6 months during spring and early summer.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The Eastern Clam Shrimp faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of temporary freshwater pools and wetlands. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and altered hydrological regimes have eliminated or modified many of the ephemeral aquatic habitats this species depends on for reproduction and survival.
Altered hydrology and water management
Habitat loss from agricultural conversion
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change affecting precipitation patterns
Pollution from agricultural runoff
Found in 15 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Eastern Clam Shrimp (Limnadia lenticularis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/eastern-clam-shrimp