Mysid Shrimp Abundance in Surface Waters of Indian River Inlet, Delaware

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Abstract
A study was made on mysid species composition, reproductive periods, and diurnal and seasonal abundance in Indian River Inlet, Delaware. Neomysis americana was present in the surface plankton throughout the year and was the dominant species, averaging 80% of the mysid population. This species was most numerous in surface waters during hours of darkness and seasonally was most abundant from April through September. It may possibly produce three generations per year—two short-lived summer generations and a longer-lived winter generation. Mysidopsis bigelowi was also present through the year. It averaged 17% of the mysid population and was sporadically abundant from September through February. It reproduces from April through November. Metamysidopsis munda andGastrosaccus dissimilis were infrequently collected and together averaged less than 3% of the mysid population. They were encountered only in late summer and fall, during which time egg-bearing females or larvae were observed. Mysids are extremely abundant in these Delaware waters and there is evidence that they serve as an important source of food for fish populating these inshore waters during the warmer months.

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