Hang out with ʻōpae ʻula (Hawaiian red pool shrimp, Halocaridina rubra) on Hawaiʻi Island!
Did you know that Hawaiʻi has eight species of anchialine pool shrimp, including ʻōpae ʻula, (Hawaiian red shrimp, Halocaridina rubra), featured in this video. Of the eight species, four are endemic (found only in Hawaiʻi) and two are listed as Federally endangered. Hawaii's anchialine shrimp are specially adapted to live within brackish coastal pools that rise and fall with the tides and are a mixture of fresh groundwater and seawater.
Anchialine pools are rare worldwide, but are commonly found near the shoreline of West Hawai‘i. Unfortunately, Hawaii’s anchialine ecosystems are frequently under threat due to invasive species introductions, water quality issues and coastal development. As coastal (human) populations continue to grow in Hawaiʻi, be sure to help maintain and protect anchialine pools in your area.
#ōpaeʻula
#Halocaridinarubra
#HawaiiWildlifeFund
#protectwhatyoulove