Conchostraca
Phylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea
Class Branchiopoa
Subclass Phyllopoda
Superorder Diplostraca
Order There are three orders - Cyclestherida, Laevicaudata and Spinicaudata, the last containing the majority of taxa.
Common in temporary pools in arid areas.
These bivalved branchiopodan crustaceans were classified in a single order (Conchostraca) but are now split into three separate orders of which the Spinicaudata comprises the great majority of the clam shrimps. Their valves are held together by a muscle, they have compound eyes and, many 'legs' and antennae.
For more information on these bivalve crustaceans see:
