Crustacea: Branchiopoda

This chapter describes the taxonomy of Branchiopoda. Branchiopoda are small crustaceans commonly known as cladocerans or water-fleas. They are epiplanktonic zooplankton seasonally abundant mainly in coastal waters and over the continental shelf of warm temperate and tropical areas, with a few species found in oceanic areas and colder Arctic seas. The chapter covers their life cycle, ecology, and general morphology. It includes a section that indicates the systematic placement of the taxon described within the tree of life, and lists the key marine representative illustrated in the chapter (usually to genus or family level). This section also provides information on the taxonomic authorities responsible for the classification adopted, recent changes which might have occurred, and lists relevant taxonomic sources.