Opossum shrimp  (Bermudamysis speluncola)

The opossum shrimp has a slightly translucent outer body covering (integument) with an intense red tint. The eyes are short and cylindrical, with the visible part being golden-brown, and the first antenna has more than 15 fine, closely gathered hair-like structures (setae) and a long flagellum. The fourth and fifth walking limbs (pereiopods) are very long with four segments, while the first three are shorter and thicker, with just three segments. The female is slightly larger than the male (2).

Recorded from Green Bay, Castle Grotto, Cherry Pit, Palm, Walsingham, Leamington and Grenadier Pool Caves, Bermuda (2).

Always found in close proximity to the surface of silty sediments of anchialine limestone caves, at depths from 0.5 to 16 m (2).

Nothing is known about the biology of this species.

The threats to this species are unknown.

There are currently no conservation measures underway targeting this species.

For more information on this opossum shrimp see:

• Anchialine Caves and Cave Fauna of the World:
  http://www.tamug.edu/cavebiology/fauna/mysids/B_speluncola.html

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk