The embryonic behavior of the mysid shrimp, Mysis relicta

Abstract

The various activities of the embryos of the relict mysid, Mysis relicta, develop into the swimming, feeding, avoidance behavior, and continuous heartbeat of the newly hatched individuals. Several of the embryonic activities are rhythmically organized, and these rhythms are age and temperature dependent. Moreover, reflex response to tactile stimulation is late in developing. The embryonic behavior is therefore integrated, apparently spontaneous, and possibly neurogenic, and bears much in common with some aspects of the development of behavior of vertebrate embryos.