Earlier this year year I spent some time photographing and filming this amazing little creature called Tadpole shrimp (Triops cancriformis) here in Malta. It is often considered to be the oldest living species. 200 to 300 million years old are often mentioned. That is also why the Tadpole shrimp is often are called a living fossil.
They have a short lifespan and from egg to adult it only takes a few weeks. They live in seasonal rock pools. This means that when the water is evaporated they all die. Their eggs are deposited in the sediments and are extremely tough. They can stay dormant for decades and will only hatch when the pool fills with water once again. The eggs can also drought and temperature extremes. Have a look!