Where do most branchiopods live?

Most branchiopods live in freshwater environments worldwide. While they are members of the subphylum Crustacea, they are primarily found in inland waters rather than marine habitats, where only a few species reside.123

Their specific habitats vary significantly:

• Temporary Waters: Many groups, such as fairy shrimp and tadpole shrimp, are characteristic of temporary pools, surviving dry periods through resting eggs. Some species, such as Branchinecta paludosa, inhabit pools in Arctic tundra regions that freeze during winter.12
• Permanent Waters: Other forms, particularly water fleas (order Anomopoda) and ctenopods, are highly successful in permanent lakes and ponds, ranging from open waters to plant-rich margins.12
• Saline Waters: A few species, such as brine shrimp, are adapted to inland saline environments.2