Giant red mysid

NOT ON EXHIBIT

At the Aquarium

Natural History

A giant red mysid grows to be about four inches (10 cm) long—although one was found to be over 12 inches (32 cm) long. Its brilliant red color provides a clue to life in the midwater: red appears black in the dim blue-green light of the midwater, so this bright red animal is actually camouflaged.

A mysid might seem like an easy meal for a hungry fish with big teeth. But this shrimplike animal packs a secret weapon. When a fish threatens to eat it, a mysid spits out glowing fluid. The sudden flash of light distracts the attacker and gives the mysid time to swim away.

Conservation

Anything that finds its way into the ocean, whether it's tossed away as trash, washes off a beach or falls off a boat, may eventually make its way to the deep sea. It's important to realize that the deep sea is not so far away that it's beyond the reach of human activities. Living creatures in the deep are affected by what we do at the surface.

Cool Facts

This large mysid has an armored shell equipped with spikes to deter hungry predators.

Animal Facts

ON EXHIBIT
Scientific Name:
Gnathophausia ingens
Habitat:
Deep Sea
Animal Type:
Invertebrates
Diet:
small crustaceans
Size:
to 12.5 inches (32 cm)
Range:
tropical and temperate seas worldwide, at depths of 1,300-2,950 feet (396-900 meters)
Relatives:
other mysids; other crustaceans (shrimp, crabs, lobsters)

Celebrating 25 Years of Ocean Conservation