What Microorganisms Do Gulf Shrimp Eat?

Gulf shrimp are small crustaceans that possess five pairs of legs, which include walking and swimming appendages. These invertebrate animals have well-developed eyes and long antennae. The majority of shrimps spawn in deep water as the temperature rises. The young of these shrimp are then carried by tides into coastal estuaries, where they develop. They mature within a four- to six-week period and then begin to forage like adults. During all stages of their life, Gulf shrimp forage principally on microorganisms, which are mainly made up of algae and detritus.

  1. Nauplius Larva

    • Gulf shrimp larvae hatch from eggs which float in the water column and develop through a number of stages, until they reach adulthood over a six-week period. The larvae feed on nanoplankton and detritus which is suspended in the water column. They are opportunistic omnivores and also feed on zooplankton and phytoplankton. During this stage, the nauplius larvae are unable to swim and feed at various levels in the water column, depending on how they are carried by the current.

    Mysis Larva

    • Nauplius larvae develop into a mysis stage, at which time they are carried by the wind-driven currents toward shore. Mysis larvae feed predominantly on zooplankton and phytoplankton. The larvae feed mainly near the ocean floor, as they attempt to remain as far as possible from the water surface, where they are more visible to predators.

    Postlarvae

    • Incoming tides carry the postlarvae into estuarine waters. During this stage of development, the postlarvae shrimp seek microalgae, both in midwater and above the substrate. They also forage on plant detritus from the sea's bottom.

    Juvenile Shrimp

    • Juvenile shrimp forage on the sandy estuary floor. In this environment, the juvenile shrimp contribute to turbidity above the substrate, which stimulates microalgal and bacterial growth, on which the juveniles then feed.

    Subadult

    • The subadult Gulf shrimp migrate from the estuary environment back into the sea. During this stage, the developing shrimp scavenge for detritus and algae, as well a larger food items. The subadult Gulf shrimp feed on the ocean floor during the daylight hours to avoid predation.

    Adult Gulf Shrimps

    • Gulf shrimp typically cling to the ocean substrate and forage for plant detritus. These small shrimp feed on microalgae, both from the water column and from the sea's bottom. Gulf shrimp forage for decaying animal tissue and marine worms. These shrimps also eat microanimals which they source both on the substrate and on the shells of sessile or bottom-dwelling invertebrates.