How are branchiopods classified within the arthropods?

Branchiopods are classified as members of the class Branchiopoda, which falls under the subphylum Crustacea within the phylum Arthropoda.12

They are widely considered to be the most primitive members of the crustacean subphylum. Taxonomically, the class is highly diverse, currently comprising 10 orders—including two that are extinct—and encompassing approximately 800 species. These aquatic animals are characterized by their flattened, paddlelike trunk limbs, which are often used for filter feeding, though this feature is modified in some groups for grasping prey.123

While they exhibit significant structural variety, they generally possess compound eyes, a primitive nervous system, and simple mouthparts. Most branchiopods are found in freshwater environments, ranging from small forms like water fleas to larger species such as fairy shrimp.213