Elaphoidella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elaphoidella |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Crustacea |
| Class: | Copepoda |
| Order: | Harpacticoida |
| Family: | Canthocamptidae |
| Subfamily: | Canthocamptinae |
| Genus: | Elaphoidella Chappuis, 1928 |
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Elaphoidella is a group of tiny freshwater animals called copepods. They belong to the family Canthocamptidae. Imagine a world full of microscopic creatures! Elaphoidella are like tiny crustaceans, similar to crabs or shrimp, but much, much smaller. They live in freshwater environments all around the world.
There are over 200 different kinds, or species, of Elaphoidella. Some of these species are quite special because they are considered vulnerable species by the IUCN. This means they are at risk of disappearing if we don't protect their homes.
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What are Copepods?
Copepods are very small animals that live in almost every freshwater and saltwater habitat. They are a type of crustacean, which is a group of animals that includes crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Copepods are super important in the food chain. They eat tiny plants and other small bits in the water. Then, bigger animals like fish eat them. This makes them a key link in the underwater world!
Where Do Elaphoidella Live?
Elaphoidella copepods are found in many freshwater places. They can live in rivers, lakes, ponds, and even underground in caves or in the spaces between rocks and soil where water flows. Because they are so small, they can fit into tiny cracks and hidden watery spots.
What animals prey on Elaphoidella?
Elaphoidella are preyed upon by a variety of small aquatic animals, including larger zooplankton (even bigger copepods), mosquito larvae, dragonfly and damselfly nymphs, the fry (baby fish) of many fish species, Ciliates (single-celled organisms), amoebas, and hydras (tiny freshwater animals that look a bit like miniature sea anemones).
Protecting Elaphoidella Species
Among the many Elaphoidella species, some are quite rare. For example, three species are found only in Slovenia. These are Elaphoidella franci, Elaphoidella jeanneli, and Elaphoidella slovenica. When a species is found only in one specific place, it's called endemic. Another endemic species, Elaphoidella amabilis, lives only in the United States.
Because these species live in very specific places and are sensitive to changes in their environment, they are listed as vulnerable. This means scientists are worried about their future. Protecting their freshwater homes is important to make sure these unique tiny creatures continue to thrive.
 | William Lucy |
 | Charles Hayes |
 | Cleveland Robinson |
