The Class Branchiopoda is a group of small, primarily freshwater crustaceans that includes fairy shrimp, water fleas (Daphnia), and clam shrimp. They typically have gill-like appendages used for both feeding and respiration. Branchiopods are mostly filter-feeders or detritivores and serve as a crucial part of aquatic food webs, feeding fish and other predators. Many species are adapted to temporary or seasonal water bodies, producing resistant eggs that can survive dry periods.