Tenuibranchiurus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tenuibranchiurus glypticus |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
 |
Tenuibranchiurus is a type of tiny freshwater crayfish. These small creatures live in the state of Queensland, Australia. So far, only one kind of Tenuibranchiurus has been found and named. It is called the swamp crayfish, or T. glypticus.
About the Swamp Crayfish
The swamp crayfish, T. glypticus, is known as the smallest crayfish species in the world. It is very special because of its tiny size. Adult swamp crayfish are only about 25 millimeters (1 inch) long. That's about the length of a quarter!
What Makes It Special?
Besides being super small, the swamp crayfish has unique claws. Most crayfish have claws that open sideways. But the swamp crayfish's claws open up and down, which is quite unusual. This helps scientists tell it apart from other crayfish.
Where Does It Live?
Tenuibranchiurus lives in special places called coastal wallum swamps. These swamps are found along the coast. The crayfish likes to hide among the sedges, which are grass-like plants. It prefers these plants instead of open water.
Why Is It Endangered?
The places where Tenuibranchiurus lives are becoming smaller and separated. This is happening because land is being used for cities like Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Because of this, Tenuibranchiurus glypticus is listed as an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
Scientists have found more groups of these crayfish in other areas. However, they think these might be new types of crayfish that haven't been fully studied or named yet. Protecting their swamp homes is very important to help these tiny crayfish survive.
