Mysid shrimps

Mysids (lat. Mysidopsis) are small crustaceans belonging to the order Mysida and the family Mysidae. While they are common inhabitants of aquatic ecosystems, they can become significant pests in agricultural settings that utilize hydroponic systems, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), or aquaponics if the water source is not properly sterilized.

These organisms primarily affect hydroponic crops by feeding on root systems. By grazing on tender root hairs and young tissue, they inflict mechanical damage that impairs the plant's nutrient uptake efficiency. This leads to stunted growth, nutrient deficiencies, and increased susceptibility to secondary root rot pathogens.

The biology of Mysidopsis is characterized by a rapid reproductive cycle and high adaptability. As opportunistic feeders, they thrive on organic debris within nutrient solutions. However, when such organic matter is limited or when the population density reaches a threshold, they switch to consuming the living roots of the cultivated plants.

The damage caused by mysids is often misidentified because the resulting wounds on the roots quickly become colonized by fungi or bacteria. Growers may notice a decline in plant vigor and yellowing leaves before the actual cause—tiny crustaceans in the nutrient film—is detected in the reservoir or circulation lines.

Effective management strategies rely on rigorous exclusion and water treatment techniques. To mitigate the risk of infestation, agronomists should implement the following measures:

• Use fine-mesh filtration (100 microns or less) for all incoming water.
• Deploy ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers to eliminate larvae from the nutrient solution.
• Maintain high levels of hygiene by removing organic sediment and biofilms from reservoirs.
• Regularly inspect pump intakes and filter housings for the presence of crustacean clusters.