Water Fleas, Transform!
Muse Science Magazine for Kids|May/June 2017

Small Shape-shifters Prepare for Attack.

Laura K. Zimmermann
Water Fleas, Transform!

Want to peer into the world of water fleas? Grab a microscope. These mini-crustaceans, also called daphnia, are approximately the size of several specks of table salt—they range in length from 2 to over 15 grains of salt. They are transparent. In a magnified view, you’ll notice their internal organs are visible from the outside. You may even see their last meal—a green gut means they’ve been feeding on algae. Daphnia have two large antennae they use to swim; the antennae jerk them through the water like jumping fleas. They also have a smaller, less obvious set of antennae, or antennules. This is where an incredible transformation begins.

Morphing into Battle Mode

This story is from the May/June 2017 edition of Muse Science Magazine for Kids.

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This story is from the May/June 2017 edition of Muse Science Magazine for Kids.

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