Pronunciation: [ɛsθˈi͡əɹɪə] (IPA) 
The word "Estheria" is spelled phonetically as ɛsˈθɛriə. The first syllable "ɛs" is pronounced as "es" with a short "e" sound. The second syllable "ˈθɛr" is pronounced as "thur" with a stressed "r" sound. The third syllable "iə" is pronounced as "ee-uh" with a short "i" sound followed by a schwa sound. The spelling of this word reflects its origin from the genus of small freshwater crustaceans found in many parts of the world.
Estheria is a genus of small crustaceans belonging to the order of Cladocerans, commonly known as water fleas. These aquatic organisms can be found in freshwater environments such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams around the world. The genus Estheria includes several species, with Estheria minuta being the most well-known and widely distributed.
Estheria typically has a translucent body that measures up to a few millimeters in length. They possess a distinct, elongated shape with a prominent head region and a segmented thoracic abdomen. These organisms have a pair of branched antennae used for sensing the environment and capturing food particles.
Estheria plays an essential role in freshwater ecosystems as a primary consumer. They feed on microorganisms, such as algae and bacteria, by employing a filtering mechanism. This filter-feeding behavior contributes to the regulation of nutrient levels and the maintenance of water quality.
Due to their small size and rapid reproduction rate, Estheria serves as a valuable food source for various aquatic animals, including fish and amphibians. They are also commonly used as experimental organisms in laboratory research, particularly in studies relating to ecology, evolution, and the effects of pollutants on aquatic life.
Overall, Estheria represents an important component of freshwater ecosystems, playing significant ecological roles while also serving as a useful model organism in scientific investigations.
The word "Estheria" has its etymology rooted in the Hebrew name "Esther", which means "star" or "myrtle leaf". The term "Estheria" is believed to have been derived from the name Esther, possibly due to the star-like pattern or shape of organisms belonging to the genus Estheria. Estheria refers to a genus of small freshwater crustaceans, commonly known as fairy shrimp or ostracods.
