Also known as tadpole shrimp, triops are a kind of ancient branchiopod, or gill-footed crustacean. They look like miniature horseshoe crabs, but generally only reach about 3 inches in length. ... If you're in the market for a low-cost, low-maintenance, low-commitment but high-interest pet, you can't do better than triops.

How long do triops live in captivity?

How long do triops live? If you keep them in good health then they can live as long as 14 weeks. Though 8 weeks is typical. (Triops cancriformis lives the longest.)

Can you pet triops?

Keeping Triops as Pets

The eggs can be hatched and raised as pets for kids to learn and enjoy. The success rate of keeping them as pets is sometimes quite low for the inexperienced pet owner. The eggs require certain conditions in order to hatch successfully.