BIOTIC Species Information for Gastrosaccus spp.
Researched byDr Paul Somerfield & Prof. Richard Warwick Data supplied byPML
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific nameGastrosaccus spp. Common nameAn opossum shrimp
MCS CodeS40 Recent Synonyms

PhylumCrustacea Subphylum
Superclass ClassEumalacostraca
SubclassPeracarida OrderMysidacea
SuborderMysida FamilyMysidae
GenusGastrosaccus Species
Subspecies   

Additional Information
Taxonomy References Howson & Picton, 1997,
General Biology
Growth formArticulate
Feeding methodActive suspension feeder
Sub-surface deposit feeder
Mobility/MovementSwimmer
Crawler
Burrower
Environmental positionEpibenthic
Pelagic
Infaunal
Typical food typesDetritus, small crustacean invertebrates and diatoms HabitFree living
Bioturbator FlexibilityLow (10-45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeSmall(1-2cm)
Height Growth RateNot researched
Adult dispersal potentialNot researched DependencyIndependent
SociabilityGregarious
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Fish & Fish, 1996, MBA, 1957,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandFound at various locations around the British Isles from northern Scotland to the Isles of Scilly. Possibly under recorded from the coasts of Ireland.
Global distributionFound in north-west Europe from Denmark and Scotland to northern France, possibly under recorded from other worldwide locations.
Biogeographic rangeTemperate. Depth rangeNot researched
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional Information

Substratum preferencesWater column (pelagic)
Coarse clean sand
Fine clean sand
Physiographic preferences
Biological zoneInsufficient information
Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow Salinity
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typePermanent hermaphrodite
Developmental mechanismOvoviviparous
Reproductive SeasonMarch to October Reproductive LocationWater column
Reproductive frequency Regeneration potential No
Life span1 year Age at reproductive maturity<1 year
Generation timeNot researched Fecundity9-40
Egg/propagule size700 µm Fertilization typeInternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialNot researched Larval settlement periodInsufficient information
Duration of larval stageInsufficient information   
Reproduction Preferences Additional Information
Reproduction References Fish & Fish, 1996,
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