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Differences in embryo production between sympatric species of mysids (family Mysidae) in the shallow coastal waters off Vancouver Island, BC

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Abstract

The ecological importance of mysid (Crustacea: Mysidacea) populations in coastal food webs is not well understood. Although the 10 or more species of epibenthic mysids found in Clayoquot Sound, BC, Canada, form the primary prey resource for seasonally abundant gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), little is known about their life history. Here, Holmesmysis sculpta dominates multi-species swarms, however there are several potential routes to this state, one of which is higher embryo production. Reproductive capacity is key to the resiliency of local mysid populations and species diversity, in this study I compare one aspect, brood size for the four most commonly found species, H. sculpta, Neomysis rayii, Exacanthomysis davisi, and Columbiaemysis ignota. The number of embryos per brood was found to vary significantly between species; however, individual length is a stronger determinant of brood size. Here, I report previously unknown life history attributes of coastal mysid species, with important consequences for community structure and local marine food webs.

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Acknowledgments

Research was conducted in the traditional territory of the Ahousaht First Nation. Thanks to the late Chief Earl George and the residents of Ahousaht, in particular the Huey Clarke family. Dr. D. Duffus, M. O. Jangles, T. Lawson, R. Brushett, E. Jenkins, G. Lotz, K. Muirhead. C. Tombach, J. “Scotty” Dunham, H. Patterson, J. Maud, O. Niemann, and W. Megill provided invaluable assistance, as did our field volunteers.

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  1. Whale Research Lab, Department of Geography, University of Victoria, PO 3060 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 3P5, Canada

    Laura Joan Feyrer

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  1. Laura Joan Feyrer
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Correspondence to Laura Joan Feyrer.

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Communicated by S. A. Poulet.

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Feyrer, L.J. Differences in embryo production between sympatric species of mysids (family Mysidae) in the shallow coastal waters off Vancouver Island, BC. Mar Biol 157, 2461–2465 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-010-1510-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-010-1510-9

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