The biology of Erythrops serrata and E. elegans [Crustacea, Mysidacea]

Abstract

The general biology of Erythrops serrata (G. O. Sars) and E. elegans (G. O. Sars) is described. There are two main generations of E. serrata, a spring and a summer one, produced during the year although continuous breeding at lower intensities is present in the population between the most productive periods; females carry 14–18 young per brood in the spring and summer but these numbers decrease to 4–8 in winter broods. The marsupium of E. serrata is often lost after the brood emerges. The few data available for E. elegans suggest that its breeding behaviour is similar to that of E. serrata but fewer young per brood appear to be produced by this species. Both species feed on the surface layers of the bottom and the material in suspension, but E. serrata had, on occasion, remains of crustaceans among its stomach contents, indicating a carnivorous diet.