Midwater shrimp
Sergestes similis
- Not on exhibit
- Animal type
- Invertebrates
- Ecosystem
- Deep sea
- Relatives
- Other shrimp; crabs; lobsters
- Diet
- Copepods
- Range
- Midwater (2,297–3,281 feet or 700–1,000 m); they migrate up and down the water column
- Size
- Up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) long
Meet the midwater shrimp
Midwater shrimp are one of the most abundant crustaceans in the midwater. They live in Monterey Bay year-round. These shrimp have light-producing organs on the undersides of their translucent, red and white bodies. Their blue glow matches the color and intensity of dim light from above. This "counterillumination" hides the shrimp from predators looking up from below.
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 shrimp's long antennae—nearly four times its body length—may help it find food or mates by sensing chemicals produced by other animals.
Up next in deep sea
Animal
Northern lampfish
Lampfish make light with special light-producing organs called photophores along their sides and bellies.
Keep exploring
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Giant siphonophore
When startled, the giant siphonophore glows with bright blue light.