Opossum Shrimp [Mysidacea]
Description
Commonly known as opossum shrimps, these are small, shrimp-like crustaceans found in both marine and fresh waters. They are characterized by a carapace, which covers only a part of the thorax, leaving the remaining segments exposed. They have a pair of large, stalked eyes and two pairs of antennae. Their habitat ranges from the deep sea to shallow coastal waters and freshwater lakes and streams.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Crustaceans
Malacostraca
|
| Order |
Mysids
Mysida
|
| Family |
Mysids
Mysidae
|
| Genus |
Mysid
Mysidopsis
|