[Jim Speaker]

Hey, Roger. Any idea what these little critters are? There were a ton of them swimming in a small pool in granite at about 6,000 feet in the sierras.

 

[junkie]

https://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es_species/Accounts/Invertebrates/es_ca-freshwater-shrimp.htm
Sounds right by the description, but they claim they're only found in lower elevation lakes. Maybe just a high altitude sub-species? Interesting find, Jim. I've found huge freshwater shrimp in high elevation cutthroat lakes, but they didn't have that spine or coloring.

 

[Jim Speaker]

A climber friend posted the pics on Facebook. Thanks!

 

[blackbird]

Hey, Roger. Any idea what these little critters are? There were a ton of them swimming in a small pool in granite at about 6,000 feet in the sierras.

Brine shrimp is my initial impression
They are found in Mono Lake
J

 

[blackbird]

How about this

Vernal pool fairy shrimp

http://www.defendersblog.org/2011/07/cant-live-without-em-vernal-pool-fairy-shrimp/

Jay

 

[junkie]

How about this

Vernal pool fairy shrimp

http://www.defendersblog.org/2011/07/cant-live-without-em-vernal-pool-fairy-shrimp/

Jay

I think you nailed it. Interesting read.

 

[blackbird]

Or some other similar freshwater fairy shrimp that lives in ephemeral pool communities

More here
https://geochange.er.usgs.gov/sw/impacts/biology/vernal/

Jay

 

[Jim Speaker]

@jwg you nailed it. That's exactly what we determined that they are. Everything fits from life cycle, to feeding preferences, to seasons, etc.

Thanks!

 

[Jim Speaker]

BTW, this was the article I found that convinced me: http://vernalpools.ucmerced.edu/node/162

 

[blackbird]

BTW, this was the article I found that convinced me: http://vernalpools.ucmerced.edu/node/162

good article indicating many species!
I liked this tidbit, as I was thinking they must get spread around by birds to be in those rock pools; "Cysts are even resistant to stomach acids, such as those of migratory birds which might ingest the cysts while feeding in vernal pools."
Curious about your Sierra location. Western, eastern, north, south?
Jay

 

[blackbird]

There are species in Washington.

This article describes finding some on the Colville lands.

http://www.tribaltribune.com/opinion/article_b214bd14-ef03-11e6-8bae-2bc80a62ee53.html?mode=jqm

Seem like ther should be some temporary pools in our scablands that could hold fairy shrimp

Jay

 

[Jim Speaker]

good article indicating many species!
I liked this tidbit, as I was thinking they must get spread around by birds to be in those rock pools; "Cysts are even resistant to stomach acids, such as those of migratory birds which might ingest the cysts while feeding in vernal pools."
Curious about your Sierra location. Western, eastern, north, south?
Jay

I'm not sure. A climber buddy posted the photos on FB. I'll ask him.

 

[Jim F.]

Fascinating & resilient little critters!

 

[Jim Speaker]

2000' above (to the South) of Bishop, CA. Place called Waganobee (aka the druid stones)