Peck's cave amphipod facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stygobromus pecki |
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| Conservation status | |
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Crangonyctidae
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| Genus: |
Stygobromus
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S. pecki
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| Stygobromus pecki (Holsinger, 1967)
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Stygobromus pecki is a very special and rare type of crustacean that lives in fresh water. It's often called Peck's cave amphipod. This tiny creature is found only in Texas in the United States. In fact, it lives in just two springs in a place called Comal County. Because it's so rare and its home is at risk, it's listed as an endangered species by the United States government and also by the IUCN Red List, which tracks endangered animals worldwide.
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Meet Peck's Cave Amphipod
Peck's cave amphipod is a fascinating animal. It's a type of amphipod, which are small creatures often found in water. Think of them like tiny, sideways-swimming shrimp!
What Does It Look Like?
This amphipod is quite unique because it lives deep underground in dark caves. Because of this, it has changed over time to fit its environment.
- It is eyeless, meaning it doesn't have eyes. It doesn't need them in the dark!
- It lacks pigment. This means it doesn't have any color, so it looks pale or whitish. Many animals that live in dark caves are like this.
Where Does It Live?
Peck's cave amphipod makes its home in two specific springs in Comal County, Texas.
- One of these homes is Comal Springs, which is located in the city of New Braunfels, Texas. The city actually owns this spring.
- The other home is Hueco Springs, which is owned by private individuals.
These springs are very important because they are where these rare amphipods can survive.
Why Is It Endangered?
The biggest threat to Peck's cave amphipod is the water level in its home. The springs where it lives get their water from a huge underground water source called the Edwards Aquifer.
- The water in the aquifer has been used a lot by people for a long time. For example, it's used for irrigation to water crops and for people to drink.
- When too much water is taken from the Edwards Aquifer, the water levels in the springs go down.
- Lower water levels mean less space and less suitable conditions for the amphipods to live and thrive, putting their survival at risk. Protecting the water in the aquifer is key to helping this special creature survive.
