|
|
|
Mysid Shrimp (Mysidopsis bahia) This crustacean species is often used in both acute and chronic biomonitoring tests of effluents released into estuarine or marine environments. In addition to mortality, sub-lethal effects that can be observed in biomonitoring tests with this species are growth and fecundity. Mysid shrimp are tiny crustaceans which typically range in size from 2 to 5 mm. The females reach sexual maturity in about 10 - 12 days, and produce eggs which are stored in a special chamber within the animal. The eggs must be fertilized by a male before they will develop and hatch, but unfertilized eggs can be counted under a microscope to determine fecundity. Sheepshead Minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) Sheepshead minnows are small fish which are often specified to
be used in either acute toxicity or chronic toxicity biomonitoring tests of effluents
being released into estuarine and marine environments. These fish occur naturally
along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S., where because of their small size and
omnivorous diet, they play an important role in the food chain as links between lower
trophic levels and game fish. Adult sheepshead minnow average about 40 mm in length,
but biomonitoring tests with sheepshead minnows usually require the use of larval
fish less than 24-hours old, at which stage they are almost transparent, and are only 2 -
3 mm in length.
[Session 2
Outline]
|
