Varas

Basic Information

Anatomy

Varas are diminutive aquatic crustaceans that swim upside-down with pairs of leaf-like appendages.

Genetics and Reproduction

Males have claspers on their heads to attach to females, who have brood sacs that contain the eggs. After mating, females released their fertilized eggs that fall to the bottom of the pool.

Ecology and Habitats

Vernal Pools

The shrimp live in very specialized habitats where they are the first organisms to hatch, grow, breed and die. These are temporary ponds filled with water for just part of the year.
Vernal pools have no connections to streams, rivers or lakes. As a result, there is a distinct lack of fish that would eat them.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Filter Feeder

Varas scrap the bottom of their pools for algae and flatworm eggs and other decaying debris. It is speculated that these normally oceanic creatures were delivered into their forest home by a particularly catastrophic wave that struck so deep into the land. From then on, they adapted and managed to retain their aquatic attributes.

Biological Cycle

Dozens, if not hundreds, of varas are attracted to bright lights in the late hours of the night.
When the pools dry up, any unhatched eggs can survive desiccation and freezing in a dormant state for years. When the waters return, they come alive again. In this way, the species is able to survive in their isolated pools in cycles. Over and over again.

Alternate Name
Forest Shrimp

Lifespan

3 months

Average Length

1 in

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Colours can vary due to diet, age and the type of water they live in.

• Males: Usually pale-colored; normally gray-white and transparent
• Females: Translucent and colour ranging from whitish through blue and green to orange and red

Geographic Distribution

• Neverending Forest