Artemia is a genus of small crustaceans commonly known as brine shrimp. They are found in saltwater environments, such as salt lakes and coastal lagoons, where they thrive in high salinity. Artemia are known for their ability to produce dormant eggs, which can survive extreme conditions, allowing them to hatch when conditions improve. These tiny creatures play a significant role in aquatic ecosystems as a food source for various fish and birds. Artemia are also widely used in aquaculture and research, serving as live feed for young fish and other aquatic animals due to their high nutritional value.