Hemimysis anomala (Bloody Red Shrimp) collected at Olcott, NY on June 27, 2007.

Characteristic telson (tail section) of Hemimysis anomala.

Bryan Young, biological science technician at the Lower Great Lakes Fisheries Resource Office confirmed the presence of Hemimysis anomala (bloody red shrimp) on the shores of Lake Ontario at Olcott, New York. The invasive H. anomala is a small, shrimp-like animal about one-quarter to one-half inch long that inhabits the littoral regions whereas native mysids normally prefer colder water and inhabit the deeper waters of the pelagic zone. H. anomala raises concern among fisheries biologists due to the fact that they are voracious zooplankton feeders that may compete with desired larval fish for resources. This specimen was collected using bottle traps that were deployed along the pier at Olcott harbor over rocky substrate in approximately 1.75 meters of water and baited with Tetra Color Fin sinking granule fish food. This was the first confirmed Hemimysis sighting in Niagara County.