Branchipus schaefferi
Local name: Echter Kiemenfuß
Echter Kiemenfuß (Branchipus schaefferi) is a primitive freshwater crustacean belonging to the fairy shrimp family, characterized by its translucent body, distinctive branched gill-feet, and graceful swimming motion. These small invertebrates typically measure 10-20mm in length and play a crucial ecological role as filter feeders, consuming algae, bacteria, and organic detritus while serving as important food sources for waterfowl and other aquatic predators.
22
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Branchiopoda
Order
Anostraca
Family
Branchipodidae
Genus
Branchipus
Branchipus schaefferi belongs to the family Branchipodidae, order Anostraca, within the Branchiopoda class.
Species Profile
Echter Kiemenfuß (Branchipus schaefferi) is a primitive freshwater crustacean belonging to the fairy shrimp family, characterized by its translucent body, distinctive branched gill-feet, and graceful swimming motion. These small invertebrates typically measure 10-20mm in length and play a crucial ecological role as filter feeders, consuming algae, bacteria, and organic detritus while serving as important food sources for waterfowl and other aquatic predators.
Echter Kiemenfuß faces significant threats from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification, urban development, and drainage of temporary wetlands. Climate change poses additional risks by altering precipitation patterns that are crucial for the formation and persistence of the ephemeral pools this species depends on for reproduction.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits temporary freshwater pools, seasonal ponds, and ephemeral wetlands that form during spring snowmelt and rainfall periods. These shallow, nutrient-poor water bodies typically lack fish and dry up completely during summer months.
Threats
Drainage and destruction of temporary wetlands
Habitat loss from agricultural intensification
Climate change affecting precipitation patterns
Urban development and land conversion
Water pollution from agricultural runoff
Found in 22 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). Branchipus schaefferi (Branchipus schaefferi). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/echter-kiemenfu