User:MurelNessler

Crustaceans of Alberta

Sideswimmers, also known as Scuds, are scavengers found at the bottom of lakes and ponds. When not avoiding light, they come out to feed. They feed on the biofilm of dead plant and animal material. They hold their food with their front legs while chewing on it.

Swim using very fast-moving legs • Feed on the biofilm which covers microscopic plants, animals and organic debris • Bodies are flattened sideways

• 25 different species found • Mostly Branchiopoda • Best known in province is the crayfish • Shelled (exoskeleton) invertebrate • Molt for growth • All freshwater aquatic species