Common name: Mysis Shrimp

General information

Mysis relicta, commonly known as the Mysis Shrimp or Opossum Shrimp, is a species of small crustaceans from the Mysidae family. They are a popular food source in the aquarium trade due to their high nutritional content, which is beneficial for a wide range of marine organisms, including fish and corals. Mysis relicta is particularly known for its role in freshwater ecosystems, but it has also been adapted to brackish and marine environments in captivity.

Care

In the aquarium, Mysis Shrimp are often used as a live or frozen food source rather than as a resident species. However, if hobbyists wish to keep them as part of the clean-up crew or for breeding purposes, they require a well-established system with plenty of hiding spaces and a continuous supply of fine particulate organic matter to graze on. They are filter feeders and will also consume detritus and plankton in the water column.

Reproduction

Mysis relicta reproduces through a process called sexual reproduction. Females carry the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch, releasing fully formed miniature adults. This makes them an excellent candidate for aquarists interested in breeding live food for their aquarium inhabitants.

Habitat

In the wild, Mysis relicta is found in cold, deep, and oligotrophic lakes where they perform daily vertical migrations. They ascend to shallower waters at night to feed and descend to the depths during the day to avoid predators. In the aquarium, they do not require these specific conditions but do best in cooler water temperatures and low-light environments.