Morphological review of the freshwater fairy shrimp Dendrocephalus brasiliensis Pesta, 1921 (Anostraca: Thamnocephalidae)

Abstract

Abstract Information concerning the morphology of Dendrocephalus brasiliensis Pesta, 1921 is currently fragmented. This study reviewed the morphological structures described previously and new features (e.g., antenna-like structures and gonopod). We review the distribution of this species and also expand the geographic distribution of D. brasiliensis in the state of Alagoas. The specimens were obtained from fish-breeding tanks in Porto Real do Colégio, Alagoas, Brazil, in November 2012. Several morphological structures of D. brasiliensis are described in greater detail, including all branches and sub-branches from the frontal appendage and thoracopods from one population and compared to other species.

Keywords

• Crustacea
• Branchiopoda
• geographic distribution
• temporary pools