These new mysis shrimps are too pretty to eat

by | Jul 24, 2017 | Advanced Aquarist | 0 comments


These new mysis shrimps are too pretty to eat


Heteromysis octopodis sp. n.

Heteromysis octopodis sp. n.

Of the three new mysid species, this one has the most unique habitat (and partnership).  Scientists discovered. H. octopodis sharing the tidal pool dens of common octopus, Octopus vulgaris. This is the first scientists have documented mysis associating with a cephalopod.

Heteromysisoctopodis2.jpg

 

Heteromysis cancelli sp. n.

This species was discovered living shells occupied by the hermit crab, Cancellus macrothrix (hence its name).  This is only the second mysid species known to associate with hermit crabs.

Heteromysiscancelli.jpg

 

Heteromysis fosteri sp. n.

A striking mysid that grows to about 7mm (0.25″) in length.  It doesn’t share homes with a novel partner, but it does have one outstanding feature: its golden cornea (eyes).  There’s no point resisting calling this the “golden eye mysis.”

Heteromysisfosteri.jpg

These three new mysid species are desribed in ZooKeys.

  • Leonard Ho

    I'm a passionate aquarist of over 30 years, a coral reef lover, and the blog editor for Advanced Aquarist. While aquarium gadgets interest me, it's really livestock (especially fish), artistry of aquariums, and "method behind the madness" processes that captivate my attention.

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