Hemimysis serrata (Bacescu, 1938)

Hemimysis serrata imageSynonyms: None.

Common names: Russ: Myzida zubchataya; Ukr: Myzida zubchasta.

Order (Scientific): MYSIDACEA.

Family (Scientific): MYSIDAE.

Taxonomic descriptions: One of 4 species of the genus, three of which are encountered in the Azov-Black Sea basin. Close relative of Hemimysis anomala species. The scale of antenna II is longer than the stalk of antenna I and has 8-12 spicules on its external edge.

Hemimysis serrata arealIUCN Status:
    World level: EN
    Black Sea Regional level: EN
    Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)

Distribution: Endemic of the Azov-Black Sea basin. Inhabits the coastal areas of the Sea of Azov, Romanian coastal area of the Black Sea.

Habitats type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors: Photophobic species, inhabiting crevices in rocks and cliffs. The species is euryhaline and eurythermic, very resistant to changes in the saline and temperature regimes. However, more tolerant to increases in salinity.

Biology: Euryphagous, although prefers animal food (polychaetes, crustacean, larvae etc.). Reproduces in the warm part of the year. After fertilization females brood from 7 to 47 (average 33) embryos in the brood pouch. One summer generation. Life span is 14 months. The length of an adult female is 9-11 mm, male - 7-8 mm. Bright red in colour. Nocturnal, only benthic non migrating animals, inhabiting rocky bottom overgrown with algae.

Population trends: Low abundance. Single specimens encountered.

Threats: Anthropogenic influence, in particular pollution of coastal marine zones.

Conservation measures taken: Included in Red Data Books of Ukraine and the Black Sea.

Conservation measures proposed: To protect habitats of species, for example Cape Kazantip (the Sea of Azov, Ukraine).

References:

  1. Reznichenko, O.G., 1959. K ekologyi y morfologyi myzid roda Hemimysis (Crustacea, Malacostraca) (To ecology and morphology mysidas genus Hemimysis (Crustacea, Malacostraca)), In: Trudy Vsesojuz. gydrobiol. obsch., v. 9, p. 320-343 (in Russian).
  2. Bacescu, M., 1969. Order Mysidacea. In: Opredelitel fauny Chernogo i Azovskogo morey (Key of Black Sea and Sea of Azov fauna). Kiev: Naukova dumka Publ., 2, p. 363-381 (in Russian).
  3. Komarova, T.I., 1991. Vyschie rakoobraznie. Mysidae (Mysidacea) (Higher crustaceous. Mysidae (Mysidacea), In: Fauna Ukrayni, 26(7), Kiev: Naukova dumka Publ., 104 pp.
  4. Komarova, T.I., 1994. Hemimysis serrata. Chervona Knyga Ukrayni (Red Data Book of Ukraine). Kijiv: Ukrajinska enciklopediya Publ., p. 40 (in Ukrainian).

Compiled by: B.Alexandrov.