Holmesimysis sculpta
Distribution:
British Columbia to Baja California.
Habitat:
Kelp canopies, surf zone.
Size:
4 - 12 mm
Diet:
Omnivorous.
Predators:
Kelp fishes. Gray whales off the coast of Oregon.
Useful Facts or Characters:
The last three abdominal segments bear transverse ridges. Apex of the telson has four large spines, usually with the outer two spines smaller than the center spines. Males with highly modified fourth pleopod.
Natural History:
This species can be extremely abundant in kelp beds off La Jolla; they have a strong tendency to aggregate. Color varies from brownish to almost black.
References:
Banner, A.H. (1948) A taxonomic study of the Mysidacea and Euphausiacea (Crustacea) of the northeastern Pacific. II. Mysidacea, from tribe Mysini through subfamily Mysidellinae. Transactions of the Royal Canadian Institute 27: 65-124.