Alien-like shrimp appears in Central Australia after flooding rains
The Sheild Shrimp is well adapted to the desert. (Facebook/ Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife)
An alien-looking shrimp has been uncovered in Central Australia, weeks after heavy rains flooded most of the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife posted a series of photographs to their Facebook page on Wednesday of a Sheild Shrimp.
The crustacean, which is the only known species in Australia, is also referred to as Triops australiensis.
The animals, which look like large tadpoles, have a round “shield” to protect their head and a multi-segmented body.
According to the wildlife service, the shrimps are “well adapted” to the desert.
“Their eggs will remain dormant for years until there is significant rain, which triggers a population explosion.”
The parks and wildlife service said now is the best time to see the little creatures as the recent heavy rains have “brought them to life”.
They recommend visiting the Redbank Waterhole in Own Springs, Palm Valley in Finke Gorge National Park and Napwerte/ Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve in Central Australia to see the crustaceans.
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