Cave Opossum Shrimp [Antromysis cenotensis]
Description
The Cave Opossum Shrimp, or Antromysis cenotensis, is a unique species of mysid crustacean that is adapted to live in the challenging environment of underwater caves, specifically in the cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula. Their bodies lack pigmentation, and they have reduced eyes, adaptations to their dark habitat. They feed on small particles in the water, filtering them out with their appendages.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Crustaceans
Malacostraca
|
| Order |
Mysids
Mysida
|
| Family |
Stygiomysids
Stygiomysida
|
| Genus |
Antromysis
Antromysis
|