The Development of Larva (T. Longicaudatus)

When the eggs hatch, the metanauplius will come out and it has only three limbs – the mandibles, antennae, and antennules. After three hours, the formation of the telson starts and the trunks segments are now more defined. After seven hours, you will also see changes in the larva’s appearance. The adult form of the larva will already show the characteristics of an adult triop after fifteen hours.

One day after the eggs hatch, the larva already resembles that of an adult triop. The complete appearance of the Triops can be seen after two days from hatching.

The life cycle of Triops is really amazing and interesting. In a pool where Triops usually live, you can find very few male Triops. In fact, pools found at the northern hemisphere reveals that for every 100 Triops, there is only one male. Because of this, most of the eggs are not fertilized. Still, the hatching rate of the Triops is not affected.

The eggs have thick and strong shells that can withstand harsh weather conditions. The eggs will be able to survive below freezing temperatures. At times, the eggs are eaten by fish and frogs; even if the eggs were digested and expelled by these creatures, the eggs can still hatch. According to the studies of scientists and researchers, the eggs can exist for a long time since they can stay in their diapauses state. Because of the longevity and hardiness of the eggs, the Triops can be found in the different regions of the earth.

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