| Remarks |
Often found near underwater structures and dense stands of aquatic macrophytes in shallow areas of estuaries. During the spawning season, the female molts and becomes receptive to the male. Copulation occurs within 7 hours after molting. Ova are externally fertilized on the ventral surface of the female abdomen. Fecundity is between 247 to 486 eggs per female. Eggs hatch 12 to 60 days after fertilization. After spawning, the female molts again. Larvae are planktonic and feed on zooplankton, algae, and detritus. Movement and distributional patterns likely influenced by both photoperiod and tidal cycles. Mainly detritivorous; also feeds on epiphytic microalgae and prey on meiofauna and small infaunal polychaetes, oligochaetes, nematodes, epiphytic fauna, and mysids. Preyed upon by various estuarine fishes and other aquatic carnivores. Host to numerous species of parasites and ectocommensals, primarily coccidia, microsporidians, trematodes, isopods, and leeches (Ref. 96311). Also on seagrasses and submerged vegetation (Ref. 97531). |