Many are found in the soft oozing mud on the bottom of the pond. They can often be found in mats of algae in many areas of the pond. A closer look will reveal that tiny legs stick out of the hinged flattened shell or carapace. The shell is made of 'chitin' like the shell of a crayfish and not a lime based material like that of a clam shell. Their shells are thicker and less transparent than the shells of water fleas.
Shells are sometimes hairy on the outside.
Some are brightly coloured. They can be yellowish-white, brown, orange or violet. Some are banded with contrasting colours. Seed shrimps that live in mats of algae are often bright green. Hidden inside the shell, the seed shrimp has seven pair of legs.