The Bloody Red Shrimp By: SHeridan kennedy

The Bloody Red Shrimp's kingdom is Animalia {Crustacean} Bloody Red Shrimp can be distinguished from other Mysida species, such as the opossum shrimp, by comparing the posterior section {Telson} which in Bloody Red Shrimp has a long spine at both corners compared to the forked Telson of opossum shrimp.
Physical Features: the species can be an ivory yellow color or translucent, but have red pigmentation on their dorsal and posterior section. The pigmentation is thought to be associated with their semi-nocturnal behavior, and varies in response to light and temperature conditions. In shaded areas, individuals tend to have a deeper red color. Mature Bloody Red shrimp reach 6-13 millimeters in length; females are slightly larger than the males. Juveniles are more translucent in color than adults.
The Bloody Red Shrimp is Found in all the great lakes except lake Superior. The shrimp is likely not in lake Superior because the lake is too deep for the shrimp. The first sighting of this species in lake Ontario was 2006. Later that year the shrimp were found in Owego, New York. Populations of this species grow quickly and can be found in high densities; 500 shrimp per cubic meter in some locations.
The Bloody Red shrimp is Native to black, Azov, and Caspian seas in Eastern Europe, and Western Asia.
The shrimp was likely introduced and spread through the Great Lakes by ballast water from ocean going ships. To prevent The Bloody Red shrimp from spreading even more, Inspect your boat, trailer, and equipment after each use. Remove all plants, animals, and mud, before moving to a new water body. Drain water from the motor, live well, bilge and transom wells while on land. Don't put live shellfish into Ontario waters. And learn how to identify Bloody Red Shrimp and how to prevent accidentally spreading this invasive species.
The impacts of this species on the great lakes is unknown. But based on its history of its invasion across Europe, Significant Impacts are possible. Because the shrimp eat tiny plants and animals, such as plankton and insect larvae, there could be impacts on the native food chain. Specifically, food availability may be reduced for young native fishes.

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Created with images by GregMontani - "europe flag star"

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