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Mysid shrimps (Tenagomysis)

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Taxonomic group

Mysidae: Tenagomysis

Diagnostic features

Tenagomysis is a mysid shrimp usually found in estuarine waters with some salinity. The body is smaller and more slender than Paratya shrimps, and unlike Paratya there is no long pointed rostrum (blade-like structure) projecting forward between the eyes. Tenagomysis incubates its eggs in an oval brood pouch located at the base of the legs.

[Tenagomysis]. Image: Stephen Moore Image
Tenagomysis. Image: Stephen Moore
[Tenagomysis]. Brood pouch with eggs. Image: Stephen Moore Image
Tenagomysis. Brood pouch with eggs. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Tenagomysis are most common in the slow flowing and muddy habitats of upper estuaries.

Feeding

They are collector-gatherers, feeding on fine organic detritus, algae and small invertebrates.

Indicator value

  • Hard bottom: unassigned
  • Soft bottom: 6.4

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

The presence of Tenagomysis in stream habitats is likely to indicate salinity from sea water intrusion. They have been assigned a soft bottom tolerance value of 6.4 but no hard bottom value has been assigned.